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Just getting started again and have both systems but some where along the line lost the two Lionel power bricks I had. I have two very nice DC power supplies that have more than enough amperage for the system. can they be used or do these two systems require AC in.   Thanks   Rick

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Rick,

   The guys are giving you good advise, use the AC Transformers.  You do not need a Z4K or ZW-L to run your DCS/Legacy.  Pick up a couple old ZW's at reasonable prices and put 10 Amp Breakers between the Transformers and your DCS TIU on each Red Channel.  Join your Legacy base with the TIU with the correct cable and you are all set to go, and powered correctly.  I also suggest picking up both the OGR Video Guide to DCS and Barry's DCS O Gauge Companion Book, lots of great education in both formats.  For a guy just getting back into the hobby, Rich Melvin does a great visual job in the Video Guide, saving massive time and eliminating lots of trial and error frustration.

Welcome back to the Hobby!

PCRR/Dave

 

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Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

 Quote from Dave .... Pick up a couple old ZW's at reasonable prices and put 10 Amp Breakers between the Transformers and your DCS TIU on each Red Channel.

 

Yes   breakers or fuses. We have 8 PWZWs powering the layout. The odd time the rollers on A or D handle have been over used so the B&C  handles  fill in just nicely.

 

If I had unlimited $$$$$$$, I  I'd use   Lionel 180 bricks.  (just for the fast circuit breaker).  We'd need 16. Ouch.

I also have a working Lionel 250 watt Z transformer i am assuming if I use one output its the whole 250 watts two outputs would be 125 watts each and so on or is it already divided into four equal amounts to the four outputs. and I would need to provide some fuse protection correct.   thanks for the help.  Rick

Hey Rick. I don't know how many engines or your  power requirements but  the brick can feed more than one tiu channel  .

 

Example....The brick is hooked up to channel fixed 1 IN and fixed 1 out goes to a loop. You can jumper over Fixed 1 IN over to Fixed 2 IN and fixed 2 out can go to another loop. This way each loop has it's own dcs signal generator working  for a better DCS track signal.

Originally Posted by Rick Rubino:

I also have a working Lionel 250 watt Z transformer i am assuming if I use one output its the whole 250 watts two outputs would be 125 watts each and so on or is it already divided into four equal amounts to the four outputs. and I would need to provide some fuse protection correct.   thanks for the help.  Rick

Rick, you should be fine with the Z just get a couple of PSX-AC circuit breakers. They are fast and can be adjusted for different trip currents. FCTT is using them now. Check them out at the next show as they are probably on the trailer now.

The advantage of the PSX vs the Lionel TMCC Lock On is the PSX works for conventional as well as Command while the Lock on will not work for voltages below 13 or so so no good for conventional.

 

Pete

Last edited by Norton
Originally Posted by Rick Rubino:

I also have a working Lionel 250 watt Z transformer i am assuming if I use one output its the whole 250 watts .....   Rick

Rick,

 

Unlike new transformers that are rated based on there maximum output wattage, the older transformers were rated on their maximum input wattage.  Those old transformers used some of that power internally, so the 250 put out only around 180 watts or so, the same as a PH180 brick.

Last edited by CAPPilot
Originally Posted by Pine Creek Railroad:

Rick,

   Forget the TMCC lock ons and spend your money on the Legacy 990, run both DCS & Legacy with your ZW's.  Guns likes the bricks, I like the older ZW's, it's all in the way you want to power your full layout, no real right or wrong way, just different ways of setting up.  

Have fun

PCRR/Dave 

Dave, the Lock On and PSX breakers were recommended because Rick wants to use his old ZW which don't have breakers fast enough to protect anything. If he uses bricks then he would have fast breakers built in. Using unprotected PW transformers not a good idea in a command environment. 

 

Pete

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