Can a 1960's Lionel ZW be used for MTH DCS?

We're using 8 post war ZWs, however we have fuse s between the ZWs and the tiu inputs on the hot wires (red)  ( 32 volt glass  10 amp fast blow.) 

  Been this way since 03 and all are tiu are still functioning just fine. Even an original G from around 02...  Yes we have to change a fuse ever now and  then... (usually operator error " I can get back on the track, no need to cut power     Oooop[s!.

I think it's a good idea. go for it.

Marc, the ancient ZW is perfect, provided you add external breakers because the internal breaker is not reliable.  Fuses are too expensive in the long run.  I've been using 2, along with a Z4000, on my layout.  I would remove the top of the ZW to make sure the rollers that contact the secondary coil have not worn down to the point that their holders are cutting the coil.  They're very visible when the top is removed and easily replaceable.  But if they're worn and the coil is being cut, damage to the coil is not repairable. 

You don't need to use the variable circuits on the TIU if you only run DCS.  If you run conventional, you can leave the wiring as is and control the conventional locos form the ZW handle, or move them to variable and control the conventional through the DCS remote.  If you go the latter route, to run DCS locos, simply set the ZW handles to about 18 volts (not critical) and scro;; the voltage on the remote up to a point adequate for your locos.

Transient Voltage Suppressors can be ordered from Train Electrics LLC

http://www.trainelectrics.com/

Make sure you order 32V 10A fast blow fuses

Complete instructions are included.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm glad that this will be a good option! Do you have any input as to how many locomotives the ZW will be able to handle? I had up to four on my mainline loop (with a small yard) and began experiencing power problems, so I immediately pulled the fourth locomotive and haven't had issues since. That was on the Z-1000 transformer. 

-Marc 

Voltage rating  of a fuse is not critical for this application.   AFter a few derailments, you'll see why manual reset breakers are preferabe.

Marc, depends on whether you have smoke units turned on, and how many lighted cars.   An MTH loco with smoke unit off draws under 2 amps.  An 18-volt #1445 or #1447 bulb is about 5 watts (0.3 amps).  I'd say 3 should be no problem.

FWIW, I have both ZWs and a Z4000, but if I needed a transformer I'd look into a new Lionel 180-watt Powermaster.  It has the same 10 amp capability, and very fast breaker.  I had bought one for a grandson's layout, and then went another route.  I replaced one ZW with it, and am very pleased.  It feeds 2 TIU channels.

Pittsburger,

    Marc if you wire your DCS layout in Blocks using the 12 Track Join Discipline, your ZW will give you enough power to run many different Trains.  I use Scott type 10 Amp resettable breakers between all my transformers and my DCS TIU's on each Red mid Track line.  If you do not already have them, pick up both the OGR Video Guide to DCS and Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion 3.  Great educational info on how to set up and run DCS layouts in both formats.  I use and own 3 ZW's, 2 KW's and 3 Z4K's to power my different Christmas layouts, depending the power required to run each individual layout, at the time.  IMO you should always have more power than actually needed to run when building your layouts.  Your fathers's old ZW, if it's in good shape will be a fine power addition for your DCS layout, make sure however it is in phase with the rest of your transformers.

PCRR/Dave

Thanks for the thoughts Dave. How do I check the phasing? I'm familiar with a great deal of railroad history, but the electronics required are still foreign territory to me. I still have much to learn!

There is good instructions for phasing here at MartyE's site - Phasing Transformers

I would also recommend Barry's book. It is a great resource for all things DCS, see Barry's below for link.

Everything that you need to know about ensuring that transformers are in phase may be found on pages 70-71 of  The DCS Companion 3rd Edition:

Phasing Transformers

All transformers are plugged into AC electrical outlets that have either two or three prongs. The vertical slit openings are for AC Hot and Common while the round opening, if present, is for earth ground. The following discussion relates to the Hot and Common openings.

Modern transformers have AC plugs where one blade is slightly broader than the other. This allows the AC plug to be inserted into the outlet in only one way. However, not all transformers were manufactured with the blades in the correct orientation. Postwar transformers generally lack this blade orientation altogether, allowing them to be plugged into an AC outlet in two ways. Regardless of which transformers you use with your layout, if you use more than one transformer it's important that they all be in phase with each other to eliminate the possibility of inadvertently creating dangerously high voltages. This can occur when locomotives or passenger cars with dual pickup rollers bridge two sections of track powered by different transformers, or when a transformer other than a track power transformer is used to power switch motors wired for non-derailing operation.

To ensure that multiple transformers are in phase:

1. Select one of the following three ways to now test to see if the two transformers are in phase or not:
2. Set both transformers to as close to the same voltage as possible, at or above 10 volts
3. Connect two wires, one to a Hot terminal of one transformer and the other to a Hot terminal of the other transformer
4. Connect a wire from any Common terminal of one transformer to any Common terminal of the other transformer
5. Turn on both transformers and set the output of each transformer to zero
6. Start by plugging any two transformers into AC outlets of the same power strip or the same wall outlet

• Briefly touch the wires connected to the two Hot terminals to each other. If a spark results the transformers are not in phase. If there is no spark, they are in phase

• Using a voltmeter, measure the AC voltage between the two wires connected to the Hot terminals. If it is approximately twice the value of the voltage to which the transformers are set, they are not in phase. If it's less than a few volts, they are in phase

• Connect an 18 volt light bulb between the two wires connected to the Hot terminals of the two transformers. If the bulb glows brightly the transformers are not in phase. If the bulb is dim or does not light at all, the transformers are in phase.

7. If the transformers are not in phase, reverse the AC plug of one of them in the outlet and repeat the test. This may be difficult if the transformer has a plug where one blade is broader than the other

8. Now, repeat the above procedure using one of the two transformers that are now in phase (either one is fine) and the next transformer that will be used on the layout. In step 7, if the two transformers are not in phase, reverse the plug of the transformer just added to the test, not the one that was previously tested

9. Continue the above process until all transformers to be used on the layout are in phase.

Once the transformers are in phase, mark the AC plugs of all tested transformers so that you'll always know the correct orientation for plugging them into AC outlets.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition", available for purchase  from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Marc,

    As you see in Barry's post his DCS O Gauge Companion book is some serious education on DCS, and covers the power supply information required to run a DCS/Legacy layout very very well.   If you are a visual learner, Rich Melvin in the OGR Video Guide to DCS also shows this information in a visual format, that I also highly recommend to anyone in our hobby, especially when setting up their 1st DCS layout.