Layout power questions and concerns

More questions:

1. Approximately how many feet of total track ?

2. Command control or conventional ?

3. Are the switches track powered or auxillary powered ?

Richie C. posted:

More questions:

1. Approximately how many feet of total track ? 100

2. Command control or conventional ? Command

3. Are the switches track powered or auxillary powered ? For the moment, track, but that will be solved this weekend.

 

The Z1K provides 100 watts of power and has a separate 14v port to hook up accessories. Not sure what you mean by the switch operation will be solved this weekend but, I assume you mean that you will be powering the switches through an auxillary source. Based on the 4 trains and only one lighted train, my guess is that your current draw would not be excessive and I would try the Z1K and see if it holds up before spending money on something you might not need although, obviously, there's no such thing as "too much" power and some people are after the "look".

If you find the Z does not work out, I would go with the brick - it is relatively inexpensive; has one of the best circuit protection systems out there; and is excellent with command control systems.

TVS diodes generally do not "blow" unless you exceed their maximum rating, which would be unusual. They "clamp" spikes. My understanding is that they will degrade over time so they should be replaced every so often - maybe every 3 years or so.

It's generally more important to figure out the number of track sections rather than just feet in terms of how many feeders are needed. You'll get various numbers depending on who you ask, but every 6-8 track sections should be more than sufficient. If you use an MTH 12 port terminal panel and use all the ports, that should easily do it. It's easy enough to check voltage readings around the track with a dvm. I like to run each panel pair to a small 2-port terminal block underneath the layout near where the track connection will be made using 14 gauge wire to the block and then run 16 gauge from the block to the underneath of the FT, using .110 female connectors to the tabs underneath the FT.