If you are using this electronic circuit breaker, please reply to this thread with 1) how you have it installed, and 2) how it has worked out for you. I want to give this thing a serious look. Any help appreciated.
Don Merz
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I don't use them, but I've tested them on the bench and they appear to do what they say. I got a couple in a package deal, so I figured I'd see if they were functional.
@superwarp1 uses them and swears by them. He’ll chime in.
@MartyE posted:@superwarp1 uses them and swears by them. He’ll chime in.
Video speaks volume. If you are command ONLY; these are the only way to go.
Been using them for almost 8 years now along with PH-180s for track power (purchased them a couple years before building a more permanent layout). They always trip before the PH-180s (but to be fair I'm using their 8 amp setting). 8 amps was my initial trial setting when first powering up the track. Nothing has ever exceeded the 8 amps during use so far and I've just left them as first installed.
My layout is command only (DCS and Legacy). I used most of the PSX's optional features, remote LEDs, alarm, manual reset button, etc. Those are all mounted in the fascia of the layout table near the power cart. They work quite well and as advertised like GRJ said above. No electronic failures so far.
Did you buy the PSX-1 AC with the sono-alert or did you need to add it? How is the reset button wired in? Is that another option?
@Windy City posted:Did you buy the PSX-1 AC with the sono-alert or did you need to add it? How is the reset button wired in? Is that another option?
Those features are optional and can be added later. Sonalert can be purchased at Mouser, Newark. Digikey, others. Any momentary switch will work. It’s all in the manual you get with psx
I have 4 connected to a ZW postwar for accessories. Three of them on 4 amps and one on 8. I removed D11 since I shorted a couple with a CW 80. In general I use the 36 volt transorbs that GRJ recommends. Maybe the 33s. I have both.
I have the sonic alerts but not installed, seems pointless and noisy since I can see if something goes dark. I forget what reset switch but they are on the boards.
Haven't actually tried the PSX AC circuit protectors, but they do seem like a great product based on forum comments like above from those who know of what they speak. That being said, I decided to go a different, less expensive route, that by all accounts seems to offer comparable protection at a fraction of the price. I'm talking about Airpax Instant Hydraulic-Magnetic Breakers paired with TVS Diodes. One set of each is about $15 - 20 plus shipping.
They work equally well in conventional and command operations. These breakers trip within 0.1 seconds of overload, have a visual trip indicator, and manual reset.
Here's a link to a recent topic about these Breakers: Airpax Snapac Hydraulic-Magnetic Circuit Breaker
If anyone has done any side by side comparisons between the PSX-AC and the Airpax Instant breakers, I'd really like to know more about your observations.
Can someone share information on a 36 volt transorbs please ?
I think Chuck is referring to the TVS diodes recommended by GRJ:
https://www.digikey.com/en/pro...nc/1.5KE39CA/1530582
also available at Mouser:
https://www.mouser.com/Product...4EAAYASAAEgJQmPD_BwE
EDIT: Chuck beat me to it. 
@SteveH posted:If anyone has done any side by side comparisons between the PSX-AC and the Airpax Instant breakers, I'd really like to know more about your observations.
I have not done any comparisons, but the Airpax is reacting in 100 milliseconds. The PSC is microprocessor controlled, it can react in microseconds. Not even close. That's not to say 100 milliseconds isn't fast enough for us.
I don't have a PSX1-AC to measure but have measured 180 w bricks as well as TMCC Lock Ons. Both open in just over 8 milliseconds which is the time of one half of the 60 hz sine wave. Thats about as fast any breaker can open at 60hz. I would expect the PSX1-AC to be comparable.
That said 100 ms is also likely fast enough since breakers protect the transformer. TVS diodes are what protect the engine and they are much faster.
Pete
Dan, thank you for your insight. That's kinda what I was thinking, that with TVS protection and 100ms disconnect time, there seems to be little chance of any electronics overheating and failing with the Airpax Instant & TVS combo.
[Edit: Norton posted while I was typing] I would also add that if using the PH180 bricks, my understanding is that they also have a very fast built-in microprocessor controlled overload disconnect and would also benefit from supplementary TVS.
With my 2 PW ZWs and a mix of other smaller MPC transformers, choosing the Airpax Instant breakers was a matter of sufficient protection value vs cost. A savings of over $300.
Anyone else have any side by side comparisons?
I use a 5 amp resettable breaker in series with 10 amp Airpax on each TIU channel. In a derailment or other short, the Airpax trips first virtually instantly. An overload, such as in my PS 3 MUs when one engine starts in conventional and is a boat anchor, the 5 amp trips first. The Airpax will trip by shorting a 24 awg wire, where the the 5 amp thermal will just melt the wire. Works for me.
My PH180 bricks trip instantly on almost any derailment, I'm sure the one or two they didn't trip was simply because I didn't get a short that time. Although the PSX1-AC looks good, I truthfully don't see the need in my case.
I got the Sonalert at Digikey and maybe another part or two? PSX-ACs came from Tony's Train Exchange, they also had a kit with the screw terminals and maybe some other stuff? Don't remember everything, that was several years ago. Instructions for the PSX-AC are pretty informative, here's a link the PSX-AC Manual.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:My PH180 bricks trip instantly on almost any derailment, I'm sure the one or two they didn't trip was simply because I didn't get a short that time. Although the PSX1-AC looks good, I truthfully don't see the need in my case.
Well you are probably right for your situation but for us with home built power supplies or post war transformers this is the way to go
Yep, probably more germane for someone without good circuit protection already.
