Operating accessories and lights from transformer -SOLVED in a strange way

Bryant Dunivan 111417OGR Forum Member

Currently I have a channel on my ZW-l set at 13 volts. With just lights going my amp draw is around 8. When I operate my MTH Fire House or Gas Station I jump to the green/red line at 10 amps. Both run normal. Meter is on the red/green 10 amp line. When I bump it up to 14 volts I will get blinking red or solid which indicates to me too much draw. Correct?

1) Does a 2 amp bump night mean these accessories might need a good cleaning and lube job. If normal then...

2) Install Z-1000 Brick to solely power the accessories and lights. If not enough power....

3) Install PH-180 brick to power accessories. I do not want to run at 18 volts. From what I have seen the adjustability is a function of plugging in a Lionel controller and regulating via Command. My problem is, I am using the cable to interface with the TIU. I run DCS and Command. I won't be able to adjust the voltage with the way the base is connected to TIU

4) I have a NIB MTH Z-4000. I could move the accessories and lights currently hooked up to the ZW-L and place them on the Z-4000. I could connect to one of the outputs.

Right now, start-up sequence is turn on PH-180 which powers my switches and turn on the ZW-L which fires up everything else. I like the simplicity in turning my layout on.

I am asking for some experienced advice as I don't did that deeply in amp draws etc... I do know I am at the edge

10/29/192:27 PM

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stan2004OGR Forum Member

Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:
Currently I have a channel on my ZW-l set at 13 volts. With just lights going my amp draw is around 8.

If it's just lights at 13V, you should be able to run them on 12V DC with what should be an un-noticeable drop in brightness. I suggest 12V DC because you can get fixed output 12V DC bricks with 10 Amps capability for, say, 10 cents per Watt. 13V x 8 Amps = ~100 Watts, so I'm thinking somewhere between $10 and $20. Then use your ZW or whatever other AC supplies for accessories that actually require AC. Just my 2 cents...

10/31/198:39 PM

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Bryant Dunivan 111417OGR Forum Member

stan2004 posted:
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:
Currently I have a channel on my ZW-l set at 13 volts. With just lights going my amp draw is around 8.
If it's just lights at 13V, you should be able to run them on 12V DC with what should be an un-noticeable drop in brightness. I suggest 12V DC because you can get fixed output 12V DC bricks with 10 Amps capability for, say, 10 cents per Watt. 13V x 8 Amps = ~100 Watts, so I'm thinking somewhere between $10 and $20. Then use your ZW or whatever other AC supplies for accessories that actually require AC. Just my 2 cents...

Boy am I glad you replied. I could not find my post to reply back on it as solved. It turned out a transformer converter for my MILLER signs was progressively failing causing too much power drawn for my firehouse and gas station when activated.

Confirmed by the burning electronics and the sizzle when touching the converter board. I called Chris at Miller to purchase a new one. Bought fall York last October. The man would not accept payment. Kudos Chris. I still think I should have paid for it.

10/31/198:49 PM

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stan2004OGR Forum Member

Wow. That's great customer service. Out of curiosity was it this Miller converter module?