Mixing transformers - any concerns?

Are both transformers plugged into the same outlet?  If not, they may not be in phase.

c. sam,

   When wired correctly and the transformers are in Phase there is no problem.

Use a High quality proven transformers, like the Z4K, ZW or KW make sure the transformers are all in Phase.  I use Scott 10 Amp breakers between the TIU'S and all the transformers.

Give the CW-80 away to a beginner, they are not acceptable for this kind of set up.

PCRR/Dave

Yes, both transformers are plugged into a power strip and the conventional engines run OK. Since this incident I've run my Legacy U30C without problem under Legacy control.

I have a Z1000 I could donate to the club in place of the CW-80 but would it have enough power for a large loop (again, buss wired) running some older open fame motored engines?

c. sam,

   Your Z1000 is a nice transformer and it will probably be powerful enough to run your club layout, if you use a different power supply for your switches and

operating accessories.  This all really depends on how much track you really have on your layout, especially when running the DCS.  Read Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion, and figure out how many blocks you are actually going to have. 

PCRR/Dave

The fact that both transformers are or are not plugged into the same receptacle is not conclusive of whether or not they are actually in phase.  This would depend on the way the transformers are wired internally.  The only way to assure that transformers are in phase is to actually run tests and observe the results.

That's one of our issues Dave - there are no blocks wired into the second loop with the CW-80. I'm dealing with some 'gorillas' here....

Will have to test for the phasing.  The Z1000 will only provide track power.

Plans are to take my DCS system down when all these wiring bugs are clear to my satisfaction and see if the DCS will work on the layout 'as-is'. Several fellas have suggested this and who knows, it might just work. If not, than I'm not sure which direction to go other then to sell off my fine PS2 equipment.

C Sam

Be sure your crossovers between loops are isolated from one another via a fiber pin or a gap in the center rail. 

Phasing: connect the "U" posts of your transformers[Z4000 /CW-80], turn the throttles up to about 10 volts and touch a wire between the "A" or Hot terminals of both transformers. If you get a bright sharp spark they are out of phase, if only a mild light spark ..okay. If out of phase rotate the plug on the CW-80[ you can "rotate"' by using a 3/2 adapter plug from Lowes's Ace Hwde,etc. or file down the wide polarized blade].

When running Conventional,and crossing the gap or insulated pin between power districts[loops] that have very different voltage levels, you can have rollers on the engine astride the gap, one in a high voltage and one in a low voltage district. It makes no difference if you are running fixed voltage Command where both are at 16,17 or 18 fixed VAC.

For Conventional, there are Block Power Controllers[BPCs] that will enable temporarily controlling both loops via one transformer when crossing a gap between loops.

If you don't gap/insulate the crossover center rails you wil be clashing 18 fixed volts of Command on one loop with ??variable voltage on the loop running Conventional[if doing so].

Wire TVS on the output of your transformers to snub Voltage Spikes that damage boards. Voltage spikes do not trip breakers as does overcurrent surges.

Good luck.

Sam, when I installed DCS on my rather large layout, which probably violates most of the "rules" being applied to DCS, other than adequate gauge wiring, it worked essentially as-is, except that I had to add some 18 V bulbs on a few sidings.  I am of the opinion that DCS is much more forgiving than would appear from the postings in this forum.

We just encountered the same problem after wiring the rest of our mainlines. We have 4 180 watt bricks and the Z4000. When the train would span the block going from a brick to the Z4000, dead short and the breaker kicked in the brick.

I forgot to check the phasing between the Lionel stuff and the MTH stuff. All 4 Lionel bricks were in phase with each other. Once I wired in the Z4000, it was not in phase with the bricks and caused a dead short. We used one of those 3 prong to 2 prong adapters and reversed the plug on the z4000. Problem solved! All 5 power supplies are plugged into the same outlet strip, not that it matters. Phasing has to be the same.

c. sam,

   These gentlemen are giving sound advise, and layedoffsick's quick fix for phasing

really does work.  RJR is right on the money also, DCS is a lot more forgiving than you might think, and with the addition of the DCS track side lights, or in my case lighted lock ons,  there is not much you can not over come.  Connect the DCS and give it a try, it might work better than you think.

PCRR/Dave