TIU and Z1000s

If stack means wiring them in parallel, then that is not a good idea and is very dangerous!

Gerald,

Re-phrase:

What are the options for more power other than Z4000?

Dave

Would a 180w Lionel "brick" work?

quote:

What are the options for more power other than Z4000?

As Eric S. asked, I use two Lionel 180 "bricks"; one for my freight yard/yard lead, and another for my steam locomotive servicing terminal/roundhouse. Each area is thru a different TIU channel. My main lines are powered by two Z4000 transformers, each side thru a separate TIU channel. I'm using two TIUs in "super" mode.

I am trying to come up with options for people who have a few MTH bricks laying around.

The 180s would work just fine. I'm just trying to save people some money if possible.

Thanks,

Dave

One source per channel is acceptable. Each channel would serve one block.

Gerald,

You are missing the point of the question probably due to my wording. The issue is the power limitations of the Z1000 per TIU channel. Short of buying a Lionel 180 brick or a Z4000, are there any other options with multiple Z1000s?

Thanks,

Dave

I don't know how to get more power from the Z1000 and don't know how to safely stack them. At 18 volts, the 5 amps should be enough to power a good sized train, even with passenger car lights.

Dave,

How much more "power" do you need?

This Christmas I ran 4 Z1k through the 4 TIU channels on my layout (train garden, see Walt's thread) and only had two large loops on an 8 x 20.

Each loop had a pair of MTH smokers and a string of passenger cars, or a pair of the same with freight cars. The turnouts (18) were track powered, and I ran a 5th engine on the loops at times. At times, I ran a freight on the outter loop (which was 2 blocks powered by 2 bricks) and the only time I had to reset breakers was if there was a derailment. Older Lionel cars do that on MTH switches. I was told in a thread early on that what I was doing was "overkill." Still, I had the bricks so why not use them?

Here is the set up...... Sorry it is not shown with more trains but the picture was taken early one.

So I am wondering how much more power you are looking for with the 1K bricks? I would think I could run 4 engines on my inner or outer loop at the same time. I will have to try it in a day or so, just to see. I am sure the "electrical guys" can tell you just how many amps the smokers/passenger cars are drawing right up until the breakers trip. You may even be able to, I can't.

Just what my experience was, it may not help at all. Thanks, Greg

OK,guys, ease off.
It is possible to overload a Z1000 with one train. I have done it.
Yes, it was my Big Boy pulling 51 cars including lighted pass cars and a TMCC crane (power hog too) and Max Smoke.
I split the layout in two on 2 Bricks and ran on.

However, it is possible to overload the Z1000 at only 5.5555 amps and the TIU is rated for 10 amps per channel.
so I understand the desire for more power.

Dave;
Sorry, but trying to mix 2 power supplies on one input is asking for trouble.
They will not play well together. one or the other will carry the load and pop the breaker. Then the other breaker will follow immediately.
I could make a board that will split the load to them but it would cost too much to bother.

I would go to the Lionel 180 watt bricks. They are $90 each at my LHS.
You can get one at a time as cashflow allows, VS horking up massive cash for a Z4K. Total cost is about the same. Z4K is a bit more but has the meters and other handy abilities.
Be sure you add a fast acting 10 amp fuse between the tiu and track on each channel. You don't want to toast the TIU.

Dave,
Russell and I differ on this one, save your money and purchase a Z4k, its not just the power, with the Z4K, you have other options like running conventional trains form the DCS hand held remote, while operating another DCS controlled Train at the same time, way cool stuff.
It also has more power.
PCRR/Dave