I ask because my ASC2 relay and switch power currently come from the same source and I found that the Z1000 machines on Ross tinplate turnouts need 18 volts to throw consistently. I presume that the ASC2s regulate their internal power and should be able to handle a range of relay power voltages.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
No problem at all with 18 volts.
When I first read the OP I was surprised to read he needed 18 volts for the DZ-1000 machines when my DZ-1000s worked off the 14 volt fixed on a Z-1000 brick. Then I reread it and realized he was talking about a tinplate switch. Those switches (RossPlate) must have a lot more friction compared to the premiere or super lines.
Anyway, I believe each individual relay in the ASC2 is rated to 20 amps, so it should be able to handle even the higher voltages of the Z-4000 and post war transformers. As John stated, 18 volts would be no problem.
I just bought an ACS2 but haven't tried it yet. I was planning on using one of the unused throttles on an ZW-L but on page 14 of the ACS2 manual it says that it needs to be connected to an accessory transformer at 12-14 v, and the U terminal of that transformer can't be connected to the outside rail. Sounds like I need another transformer. I want to use the ACS2 to activate Atlas switches which Atlas says need 16-18 v. Do you think it would be safe to use a PowerHouse brick as the accessory transformer?
JFC454(?),
You need to attach two different accessory transformers to the ASC2. The first one, set between 12-14 volts, powers only the ASC2 and is connected to the "AC Power" connections per page 14, Figure 9. I use the accessory output of a MTH Z-1000 brick for this (14 VAC).
A second transformer is needed to power the accessory or switch, with the ASC2 basically acting as an on/off switch in the accessory/switch circuit. Here the transformer is connected to the COMM input and goes out one of the switch output combinations (1T/1O, 2T/2O, 3T/3O, or 4T/4O). This is shown on page 30, Figure 22, for Atlas switches.
The relays in the ASC2 that control the accessory/switch are rated at 20 amps, so there should be no problem with using a PH180 to power the switches.
CAPPilot posted:JFC454(?),
You need to attach two different accessory transformers to the ASC2. The first one, set between 12-14 volts, powers only the ASC2 and is connected to the "AC Power" connections per page 14, Figure 9. I use the accessory output of a MTH Z-1000 brick for this (14 VAC).
A second transformer is needed to power the accessory or switch, with the ASC2 basically acting as an on/off switch in the accessory/switch circuit. Here the transformer is connected to the COMM input and goes out one of the switch output combinations (1T/1O, 2T/2O, 3T/3O, or 4T/4O). This is shown on page 30, Figure 22, for Atlas switches.
The relays in the ASC2 that control the accessory/switch are rated at 20 amps, so there should be no problem with using a PH180 to power the switches.
Thank you for that information. So that second transformer could be an unused throttle on a ZW-L instead of a PW180?
JFC454 posted:Thank you for that information. So that second transformer could be an unused throttle on a ZW-L instead of a PW180?
JFC454, Yes. Plus the unused throttle on the ZW-L can adjusted to fine tune your DZ-1000s.
John, I still think 18 volts is a lot to operate a DZ-1000. Maybe you need to check your RossPlate switches to make sure they are operating smoothly.
TrackerJohn,
I suggest using 12-14 VAC for the relay power on the ASC2. At 18VAC the relays will get quite warm. I used a CW-80 for my layout, and the U terminals are all common. I have seen no issues with the U terminals all tied together, and I think that is the best way to wire the system. All the U terminals should connected, IMHO.
A really dumb question Jon, why did they not allow this to run on normal transformer voltages? I would have expected that the separate power would be a bit more flexible.
gunrunnerjohn posted:A really dumb question Jon, why did they not allow this to run on normal transformer voltages? I would have expected that the separate power would be a bit more flexible.
What is a normal transformer voltage? Seems 12-14 VAC is normal, right? I agree separate power is flexible, and the voltage can be set to 12-14VAC, in most transformers. On my setup, I adjusted my accessory bus to that range and run a lot of my accessories off of the 12-14 VAC bus; which is about the best voltage in general for accessories; even command accessories, like the latest command culvert loader/un-loader....
jon
As a guy that has all PH180 transformers for power, it's not quite flexible enough. 
Jon, the relays are powered for a second or less for switch throw, is 18v heat dissipation an issue for this use case?
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
