MTH Z-4000 (from 2000 or so) powering about 15, 072 RealTrax/STD 72” switches.
Running MTH Standard and O-gauge PS-2 engines.
I was operating conventionally about 20 Passenger cars and a PS-2 scale engine on the right side. (17 V 7.8 to8.0 amps)
On the left side a PS2 400 and 7, 200series freight cars including 3 lighted cars. (13V at 3.4to3.8 Amps)
When I noticed a pulsing phenomenon occurring on the left side throttle/train, track and lighted lockons and not the red warning light. This occurred many minutes and was pulsing at a steady rate (1/2 second on flash1 second off). If the voltage is razed or lowered it would stop for a moment or two and then start up again. If either side is turned off no pulse occurs. (Note the voltage and Amp meters on the Z4000 don’t show this spike and remain fairly steady)
I tried to correct this phenomenon by turning it off, unplugging it, checked all connections on the track and switches looked for debris on the tracks, Changed out engines on both sides, let it cool off for a while. Note: fan is operating normally
I also caused a short circuit so it would trip out on the breaker on both sides thinking this may reset the breaker.
So far nothing has changed or stopped it except lowering the amperage load on the right side throttle. The transformer works normally otherwise.
I did do some thinking and I think this pulsing started after my sons where running an ampere heavy passenger train 17 volts 9.8 to 10+ amps. For a 15-minute period, they ran it until the left (red) load light started blinking. They then turned the throttle off.
What could be wrong with it?
Any ideas, theories, or guesses would be welcome.
Thank you in advance for your time.
