Gary,
“A Post War KW?”
Yes.
“ Are you using the D - U posts to power the TIU AUX PWR plugs?”
Yes
“ What else does this KW power?”
Only the TIU’s and the switch-tracks, which is an infrequent and momentary draw, of course. For the switch-tracks I will be using a separate transformer hopefully today or in a few days, and eventually a CDU.
“Does the U post connect to the center of the AUX PWR plug on both TIUs?”
That is the case with TIU-1 for sure, and I can’t quite tell right now about TIU-2, but I think so. See below under ‘more facts’.
Dave,
”Have you checked the phasing of the KW with the track power transformers?”
No. Since the track is not connected to the KW, I didn’t think it would be necessary.
”When you plug into the Aux Power input only one wire trace from Fixed Channel 1 is broken. The other (common) stays connected. If the two transformers are out of phase it could cause a problem even if the KW is otherwise isolated.”
Oops, no wonder. Please see below under “Other Transformers and Wall Warts.”
”The other thing to look at is the jack. Make sure the center prong jumper gets fully disconnected when you insert the Aux Power plug.”
I will, later this afternoon.
OTHER FACTS:
When I first set the system up, I attempted to power both TIU’s with one of the Z4K’s 14-V output. I made sure that both TIU’s were connected the same; that is, both plug center connections together, and powered them with the Z4K.
Immediately, the Z4K breaker tripped. I thought I must have mixed up the wires to the TIU plugs so I reversed the connections. Same result – tripped OL. So I swapped the wires as they were connected to the Z4K, and still had the OL problem. Then I swapped Z4K’s but results were the same.
To make a long story short, either of the Z4K's could power a single TIU fine, but as soon as I added the second TIU, regardless of how the TIU’s were connected together, or to which Z4K posts, the OL was tripped. So I went the KW and had no problems – or at least that's what I thought.
OTHER TRANSFORMERS or WALL WARTS
I suspect that using separate transformers or wall warts gets around the phasing problem as I have not read or heard of this problem before. Is this correct?
I am headed out now (benefits of retirement!) to find the transformers (need to buy several) and other electronic stuff. If I can’t find these at Gateway Electronics (St. Louis) I will order them from Jameco this afternoon.
Thanks Guys!!!
Alex
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