should my handle on the zw be all the way up or should I set at a certain voltage for my track power.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I don't know what the ZW's put out, but I use the Lionel PH-180 bricks that put out a constant 18 volts. If you have any Lionel command control engines I believe they recommend not using more than 18 volts with them. Not sure about MTH maximum voltage, but probably similar?
A ZW can put out 22 volts. I actually run my DCS layout with a MTH Z4000. For most of my engines, 16V is plenty of juice. I use a ZW on my conventional "toy train" layout(it's got all the Lionel accessories I could fit on it). I rarely go over 16V as my PW engines are in tip top condition, and at 16V they fly along the track
.
BigDog,
Jeff, I use the 275 & 250 ZW's on most of my DCS/Legacy layouts, put the handles on them about 3/4 of the way up and leave them there. I just acquired another 250 ZW from Jim L here on the OGR, I still like them so much, this one looks like it just left the Lionel show room floor 50 years ago. Use the DCS hand held remote to run your trains, if you want to check the actual voltage use a quick clamp meter from Harbor Freight every once in a while, to make sure you are running between 16-18 volts at the track. Remember to use the Scott type resettable 10 Amp breakers between your old ZW & the TIU, to protect your DCS TIU and you should be fine. The great thing about these old ZW's is that they completely eliminate the problems some of P3's are having, just remember to put the ZW handles 3/4 of the way up and leave them there.
Use a Etekcity remote control at your wall outlet to turn your complete layout off and on. I plug my big multi plug bar into it and power everything on the DCS/Legacy layouts, from the Etekcity remote controls.
Have fun!
PCRR/Dave
I use a Post War "Z-Dub" with my newly acquired MTH DCS System (REV. L) and I position the "A" handle about 3/4 of full throttle. Good juice to the track, (for my Fastrack Turnouts). and I run MTH Proto 2&3 without any problems. Hope this helps.
Chief Bob (Retired)
Pine creek I lowered the handle to 3/4 when I measured it all the way up it was providing 24 volts to my track now 16 volts. I also like the zw I run zw 275 for track and switches. And a zw 250 for all my accessories and lights .
