Phasing multiple types and brands of transformers together question.

In your case, I would reference the first two - 1033 & KW - to the PowerHouse brick. If out of phase at first check, flip the 1033 & KW plugs.  Then bring in the AF transformer, and then the CW. The CW, you will find, will not have a clear right or wrong way to connect, just designate the "U" posts as common to the layout and the A & B outputs will work fine(for 2006 & newer versions).

If no outputs of the accessory transformers are used to control trains between power districts, they really don't need to be in phase, and on really large layouts there are advantages to having them out of phase to reduce voltage drops over long wire runs.

Sometimes I need to reverse a plug polarity and I just use these and jam the polarized plugs the wrong way into the soft plastic of these adapters if the input polarity needs to be switched on an added transformer instead of switching everything else around.

  As usual Rob your recommendations are spot on, right down to phasing the CW80 last.  The CW did indeed require flipping the plug, as its polarized plug put it out of phase with the other 4 transformers.  Taking a tip from your playbook, I just used a dremel to sand down the polarized side and easily insert in the power strip. 

  I must have the original version of the CW with none of the improvements, as it reads 19.2 volts across A and U even when the throttle lever is closed.  Found this article explaining it, but my electrical comprehension is borderline when reading something so expertly technical.  It’s probably a moot point anyway since my CW only exists to power a short bump & go trolley line with no accessories or switches.  

  One more quick question, does an original TMCC command base and trainmaster need phasing attention, since they use U common,  or is this irrelevant for this discussion?

Thanks again!

Tom 

FlyPlanes-PlayTrains posted:

 One more quick question, does an original TMCC command base and trainmaster need phasing attention, since they use U common,  or is this irrelevant for this discussion?

Command Base, no, the one post always goes to an outside common rail on the layout.

A PM-1 PowerMaster should be phased just as any transformer with the "U" to common. If for example, if you use the KW to power the PM-1, it will already be in phase with the rest of the layout as long as the non-fused lead of the TMCC PowerAdapter Cable(12893) is connected to "U" of the KW. There is a direct, solid connection of "U" straight through the PM-1, only the "A" output has any TMCC electronic circuitry.

Thanks Rob, great response!  That’s exactly how I’m set up, the KW feeding power through the adapter cable to a loop dedicated to postwar equipment.  It’s great peace of mind to know definitely that everything is set up correctly. Thank you.  

Tom