How "clean" is the 14V accessory output from an MTH Z-1000? Is it clipped 18V or is it a nice even 14V? Is there a better power supply I should consider?
Should the Z-1000 reliably drive Z-Stuff dz-1000s?
Thanks,
Mike
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Yes I would think so. I'm driving 15 dz-2500 switch machines with a outdoor lighting transformer. It works fine, it was cheap and it should drive the 15 or so more machines I intend to add to it. I believe it puts out about 100 watts which I believe is the same as the output of the Z1000.
Ron
One thing to remember, the 100 watts is shared between the Main and Aux power out for this brick. I haven't tracked it, but the Z-1000 brick I have 14VAC output was stable when I hooked it up for powering all my switches.
I was using an analog voltmeter, not a 'scope.
When I was talking to the maker of the dz-1000 switch motors, he suggested that some clipped wave transformer outputs can create inconsistent results with a dz-1000. He was not familiar with the quality of the output from the AUX side of a Z-1000. He suggested that some dual output transformers might be clean at 18V and clipped on the 14V.
Perhaps I should just get a specific 14V transformer from Radio Shack or similar for running the switch motors?
Or an oscilloscope so I can answer these questions myself :-) I always wanted one!
Thanks,
Mike
Mike, be aware that small transformers will have a significantly higher output voltage when they aren't loaded down to the current specified on their labels.
Originally Posted by mikeporterinmd:
When I was talking to the maker of the dz-1000 switch motors, he suggested that some clipped wave transformer outputs can create inconsistent results with a dz-1000. He was not familiar with the quality of the output from the AUX side of a Z-1000. He suggested that some dual output transformers might be clean at 18V and clipped on the 14V.
Perhaps I should just get a specific 14V transformer from Radio Shack or similar for running the switch motors?
Or an oscilloscope so I can answer these questions myself :-) I always wanted one!
Thanks,
Mike
All the DZ1000 needs to work is AC current 12-14 volts. I tested mine and they will work reliably with as little as 9 volts AC. I do not see why clipped sine waves would make any difference except that it would have a higher peak. If worried about peak over voltage,just put a few paired diodes in series to protect it. 6 paired diodes will bring the 18 volt peaks of about 25 down down to around 21. I run mine off the 14 volt tap of a TW.
The sine wave of the modern ZW approaches a pure form as the output is pushed to the maximum.
Dale H
