Big arcing between S gauge Fastrack blocks

Sounds like the transformers are not in phase, have you checked this???

Marty

I thought they were, but maybe not. The grounds of both transformers are connected to each other via the common connection to the output terminal of my Legacy command base.

It sounds like a couple of things going on. First, are you running conventional or legacy? If Legacy I would lose the KW and power both loops from the Powerhouse. If the Powerhouse is 10A it is plenty for the Flyer trains on 2 loops. Also, I would never run Legacy engines from an unprotected postwar transformer. If you are running conventional there may just be a large voltage setting differential between the 2 loops. The KW is a pure sine wave, I recall the Powerhouse being a phase angle controlled power supply with much higher peak than average voltage than in a pure sine wave.

The outer loop is Legacy and inner loop is conventional.  However, since I am sending the Legacy signal through the outer rail (the grounded one), the signal does make it to the conventional loop too, and there have been times when I have moved a Legacy loco onto that loop and operated via the Legacy signal.  I also pass conventional locos from the inner loop to the outer loop when I am using the PoweHouse/PowerMaster combination for the intended purpose of voltage control for conventional operation on the outer loop. 

The KW does have a circuit breaker.  I selected it because I really wanted a loop where I had a traditional throttle, and the KW offered a whistle activator, push button reverse and a circuit breaker.  However,  I am a novice and maybe this 60 year old circuit breaker is insufficient.

So it sounds like the high peak of the PowerHouse wave could be the issue and thus a big voltage differential causing the arcing?

The PowerHouse puts out a pure sine wave as does the KW, there's no "peak" issue.  One likely problem is the fact that you have dissimilar transformers that doubtless have slightly different output voltages across the gap, that will cause an arc.  If you're going to transition between the two power districts, the voltages should be nearly the same on each side.

Of course, if you're getting a really big arc, it's more likely the transformers are out of phase. 

Try this. 

Turn on both transformers and set the KW to the voltage you'd normally use.  Obviously for command operation when crossing over to the PowerHouse powered side, I'd assume pretty close to full throttle.

With a voltmeter on the AC volts scale, measure the voltage difference across the insulated track joint on the same side of the track.  It should be no more than a volt or two.  If you see a large voltage, it's likely you have the transformers out of phase.  If that's the case, reverse the KW plug in the socket and see what result you get.

Chuck,

The KW does have a breaker, yes, but this is very slow acting in comparison to the Powermaster breaker. You could easily fry your Legacy electronics before that breaker trips. If you want this transformer in the system add the Legacy Locon to protect your equipment.

For the arcing double check the phasing of the transformers.

Ray

John, You are everywhere

gunrunnerjohn posted:

The PowerHouse puts out a pure sine wave as does the KW, there's no "peak" issue.  One likely problem is the fact that you have dissimilar transformers that doubtless have slightly different output voltages across the gap, that will cause an arc.  If you're going to transition between the two power districts, the voltages should be nearly the same on each side.

Of course, if you're getting a really big arc, it's more likely the transformers are out of phase. 

Try this. 

Turn on both transformers and set the KW to the voltage you'd normally use.  Obviously for command operation when crossing over to the PowerHouse powered side, I'd assume pretty close to full throttle.

With a voltmeter on the AC volts scale, measure the voltage difference across the insulated track joint on the same side of the track.  It should be no more than a volt or two.  If you see a large voltage, it's likely you have the transformers out of phase.  If that's the case, reverse the KW plug in the socket and see what result you get.

 

John, you are the man!  I read 36V, then I just reversed the KW's plug in the socket, and bingo, voltage reading dropped to less than 1V, all in phase, and no arcing. Thank you very much.

Chuck,

Get some nail polish or paint and mark the cord, the small slot of the receptacle is AC hot.

Good news! Happy Christmas train running.

Love the easy ones.

Rayin"S" posted:

Chuck,

The KW does have a breaker, yes, but this is very slow acting in comparison to the Powermaster breaker. You could easily fry your Legacy electronics before that breaker trips. If you want this transformer in the system add the Legacy Locon to protect your equipment.

For the arcing double check the phasing of the transformers.

Ray

John, You are everywhere

OK, great to know. I think I will go with the Dallee 10A breaker. It is much cheaper than the TMCC Lockon and does not have to be modified to receive wire inputs rather than a PowerHouse plug.