transformer compatability

There is phasing to consider. But if the ZW-C and mrc dual are both full wave, and not choppedchopped sine, you should be fine.

For phasing info, try lionels video on youtube "lionel phasing two or more transformers" . It explains a lot, and is entertining as a tutorial can be.

Adriatic posted:

There is phasing to consider. But if the ZW-C and mrc dual are both full wave, and not choppedchopped sine, you should be fine.

Uhh... the ZW-C is must assuredly not a pure sine wave transformer, it's the typical chopped wave controller.

If the OP is referring to the MRC Dual Power O-27 unit with the tethered remotes it does not output a pure sine wave. MRC did make two pure sine wave transformers after the Dual Power unit was discontinued. 

You're right Tom, the Pure Power models were the pure sine wave models.

So that being said...can two or more.chopped sine wave transformers be run together using seperate powered blocks...

Well, they probably can, but if the waveforms are actually sufficiently different, it could cause issues as locomotives cross the power districts.  I haven't looked at the Dual Power on a 'scope to see what it's waveform looks like, here's what the ZW-C looks like with a load at half and full voltage.

So you would say...based on your experience...that I would be better off to run modern,  full wave transformers if I plan to operate 3 or 4 loops with sidings, etc...in conventional mode?

I'm running stuff with modern electronics as well as older stuff...together...but don't really care about remote control so much...

I don't have a problem with the old school zw...except I want fast acting short circuit protection...which probably drives me to either the mrc pure power or the mth 4000...

Why not just add better circuit protection to the PW-ZW?  A circuit breaker like the MRC Pure Power has is very cheap, less than $10.  The Z4000 has a more sophisticated current limiting circuit, but it's also a lot more expensive.