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I have 2 old PH-1 Lionel Powerhouse transformers which I will not need for track power.  I was thinking about using one to power all my DZ-1000 switch machines and the other for LED lighting.  The PH-1 Powerhouse is rated at output 18VAC, 7.3A (131.4 watts).  Is there a resistor I could buy to safely drop the voltage to 14VAC recommended for DZ-1000 switch machines?  Is there a converter circuit (bridge rectifier + resistor) I could buy to change the output to 4.5VDC and handle the 131.4 watts output?

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I use 16 volts for most DZ1000s.  For Ross tinplate switches, 18v is necessary for reliable throws on the heavy points.  Nothing worse for operations than a switch half thrown.

A ZW, with the 4 variable outputs, usually provides power depending on the layout, but I also have a collection of bricks and wall warts that output 14, 16, and 18 VAC that I have used on some layouts ... depends on how many DZ1000s need power.  The switch motor draws current intermittently and with TMCC routes, the throws are not simultaneous so overloads are not an issue.

If you want to use the Powerhouse, put a variable transformer (trade name Variac) between the transformer and the house AC socket.  The river site has one for $51 here.  Trim the Powerhouse output voltage for what drives the DZ1000s reliably.



If you want to use the Powerhouse, put a variable transformer (trade name Variac) between the transformer and the house AC socket.  The river site has one for $51 here.  Trim the Powerhouse output voltage for what drives the DZ1000s reliably.

Be careful if you go this route.  The particular variable transformer mentioned, and most others, also allow you to turn up the input voltage to the PH-1, all the way to 140 VAC.

PH-1's are not designed to handle that.  A normal wall socket delivers 120 VAC.  You could easily see sparks and smoke.

Mike

Last edited by Mellow Hudson Mike

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