Adding a curcuit breaker between TIU and Terminal block

Since you use the PH180 bricks, the CB will have to be a very fast one.  Have you looked at the PSX Circuit Breakers?

That looks like what I am looking for. Are you using this on your layout gunrunnerjohn?

Thanks: JK

I don't use them, but they've been discussed here a number of times, and they're highly regarded.  Since the PH180 bricks have a very fast electronic breaker, a typical thermal breaker probably will not prevent the PH180 from tripping first.  I've connected a 6A breaker across the output of the PH180, and every time the PH180 trips and not the 6A breaker.  The breaker I use is the same part that is used in the MTH power bricks, specifically the 100W Z1000 brick. 

Just got some PSX-AC's a couple weeks ago and ChessieFan72 pointed me to this thread.  Thread includes video, from a forum member, of their operation and lots of other great info as well.

PSX Thread

Ordered mine from Tony's Train Exchange. They also sell a kit of screw terminals for all the additional features on the board. Due to moving recently I don't have any trains set up yet to try them on. Have been fiddling with one on the bench and it's pretty impressive so far.

Wasn't aware of Traintek until the above threads/posts, will have to check that site.

Check out the video posted in the this thread on the PSX circuit breakers:

https://ogrforum.com/t...t-circuit-protection

Larry

I guess I was a little late, rtr12 beat me to the post

My question is: Why are you having so many derailments during an operating session?

I would fix that first.

I was being nice and not mentioning that.

>>I would like to add a circuit breaker between the TIU (at the output terminals) and each of my terminal blocks. The goal is to only have one TIU channel trip when a car derails. I have two Lionel powerhouse 180W bricks powering two TIU channels each (I am using all 4 channels).<<<

I have pretty much the same setup.   A Z4000 powering the two variable channels and two 180 bricks powering the two fixed channels.

The problem with the 180 is it trips faster then most 10 amp breakers.  I have the 180's wired into a Lionel Power locon and installed at the TIU ouput.  Its faster then the internal 180 breaker and resets automatically when the short is eliminated.

Joe

Cause of derailments:

I have a lot of shunting in various yards and sidings. I have 40 switches on my layout, with 036 curves on most of the yards. I have 7 desiel engines and 3 steamers, which all behave a little differently on the switches. I also have guests operating the engines. I find the oversized couplers don't really work well at under 8-10 mph ramming speed. The end result is some manual intervention of touching the cars to couple them, which can cause a derailment short, especially if reaching to the farther tracks. Some of the steamers are sensitive on the switches. As I identify cars that cause more derailments due to being light, I add weight to them. These combinations results in lots of small derailments, nothing serious, just annoying.

Maybe I can get things to operate more reliably in the future, with some tuning and modifications to the track, cars, and changing out poor performing uncouplers.

Joe K

I like my PH180 bricks precisely because they do NOT reset until I press the button or power cycle them.  I don't want the power continually pounding on a short until I get to it.  I also don't want things starting up spontaneously before I'm ready.

Joe do you think that perhaps your track work may account for some of your derailments?

I have a few S curves that I cannot remove due to space restrictions or switch combinations. The main issue is shunting cars, when pushing them over some of the yard switches.

I am rewiring my layout for the Hikel train detection system, that allows computer control through and Ipad. Once this is completed, I will be doing some operating sessions that will allow me to identify derailment causes, and thus work towards solutions. Right now, I have many issues, such as dead track, stalling on switches, passenger cars derailing on curves, engines slipping on grades, etc. I am mostly running test trains to troubleshoot wiring problems and signal strength issues.

My layout has quite a bit of trackwork, and is designed as a switching layout. The limited size of my space (11' x 21') with two offshoot yards requires 048 and 060 curves, with some 036 curves at sidings and yards. These curves are tighter than ideal, however they are the size I need to fit into my layout space.

I hope to be back to normal operation soon.

Joe K