DCS on 14VAC instead of 18VAC?

My observation is smoke generation is significantly reduced with the lower track voltage levels.

It should work but it's not ideal. As mentioned above the smoke my suffer a bit. The top speed will also be limited some but I think you should still be good to about 50 SMPH or so.

You could also look into the LED passenger lighting upgrade kits from Hennings Trains, or installing some Diodes in series in you passenger cars to reduce the voltage to the lighting and keep your voltage up.

Thanks for responding. No smoke and I never run faster than 25 SMPH so not an issue on my switching pike. My concern is with the electronics. 

It'll should work fine.   Of course, I'd second the recommendation for the lighting upgrades.

The łower voltage may weaken the DCS signal slightly, depending on the size and wiring configuration of your layout.  Do a track signal test at both voltages and see if there is a difference.

Thanks, GRJ. I will get around to those lighting upgrades one day  but in the meanwhile I won't need sunglasses to operate at night 

I do remember the Lionel CA-4 Crummy is a real pistol to get apart. The K-Line Golden State cars I will have to research when the time comes.

Jon G posted:

The łower voltage may weaken the DCS signal slightly, depending on the size and wiring configuration of your layout.  Do a track signal test at both voltages and see if there is a difference.

I know of no reason that the DCS signal would be weaker with lower track voltage.  What makes you say that?

The DCS signal generator puts out the same amplitude carrier regardless of the track voltage.  I've looked at the actual DCS signal on my 'scope at various track voltages, I've never seen any variation in the signal strength for voltage settings.

Your slow speed performance may also be reduced, as the motor driver will have to use a longer pulse duration, with a smaller (lower-amplitude) inductive kick.  IMO the best solution is to replace the bulbs or switch to LED's.

I can see no difference running the DCS at a measured 14VAC and 18VAC and any speed I run.  I cranked it up to 70 scale MPH, and my MTH Premier Big Boy pulling two track cleaners (my test load) seems to run exactly the same at either voltage.  Low speed performance was identical as far as I can see.

If you are worried about the lower voltage affecting performance of the DCS, use an alternative power supply for the TIU for the 18V and run your track at 14V

Jon G posted:

The łower voltage may weaken the DCS signal slightly, depending on the size and wiring configuration of your layout.  Do a track signal test at both voltages and see if there is a difference.

No it won’t. This is just plain wrong.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I can see no difference running the DCS at a measured 14VAC and 18VAC and any speed I run.  I cranked it up to 70 scale MPH, and my MTH Premier Big Boy pulling two track cleaners (my test load) seems to run exactly the same at either voltage.  Low speed performance was identical as far as I can see.

Thanks, GRJ. That is exactly what I was wondering about. I switched to 14VAC (accessory terminals of the Z-1000) and indeed see no slow-speed performance differences.