ZW-L Questions

Short answer is that it will NOT improve any TMCC or Legacy operations.  The additional resolution in steps would be conventional only.

Since TMCC and Legacy already run at full track voltage, their speed resolution is determined by their electronics and not the transformers.

Unless you plan on running conventional, the Z4Ks are working fine for you.

Thanks, Marty.

I know you are the expert on this.

Eliot

Expert no.  Haven't really had much hands on time with the ZW-L.  But one could conclude, since Legacy and TMCC derive their own speed steps from their electronics and how that is controlled by the Legacy system, the transformer has very little to do with their speed steps.

I think if I was just starting out and needed a lot of power. Or ran a lot of conventional mixed with TMCC engines and liked the hands on feeling of controlling trains with the levers the ZW-L would be the ticket.

But where I already have 4 180 and two 135 powerhouses, a CAB-2 and a TPC, it really doesn't provide me more than I already have. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome and I am glad they built it, but its not something I would buy with what I currently own

Chris,

I agree with you.

I do not really understand the power issue.

If I get 100 watts of power from one handle of a Z-4000 or I get 150 watts of power from a ZW-L handle how would that be different if they both had a 10 amp or a 12 amp limit for that circuit?

Is the ZW-L giving me more amps per circuit?

When my Z-4000 hits 8 amps, the breaker trips and I am down.

What will the ZW-L give me?

Eliot

"When my Z-4000 hits 8 amps, the breaker trips and I am down."

Isn't it supposed to handle 10 amps per handle, aka 180 watts per handle.

It will say Lionel in w/blue letters when it is on. Fred

Eliot, I see no reason for the need of the new ZWL unless you are like me and just have to have one. It looks like you already have plenty of power.

romiller

 If the breakers are 12 amp you should get about 11 amps out of three channels of the new ZW. That would max it out at just under the maximum wattage. If you're having overload problems with the Z4000's then the new ZW might help you but if you're not having overload problems the ZW is probably not for you. The ZW has 50% more power available than the Z4000.

Ron

hey guys I watched a video on the new zw-L but the thread seems to have vanished but to clarify.

the new zw-L has 4 channels each rated at 10 amps maximum per channel but only 36 total amps available for use this is the way it was explained,

first 3 channels would be allowed 10 amps the 4th if used would only have 6 amps maximum available unless the demand from one of the other channels was reduced to 6amps then the 4 amps from that could be applied to channel 4 best I can explain it.

maybe someone here has the link and can post it here but be prepared to be somewhat overwhelmed as it does so much and can be configured to so many things that I came away somewhat wondering how I would remember it all.

and frankly having 4 180 watt powerhouses why would I settle for the zw-L at 155 watts or is my math wrong?

$oo

if you already are using Z4000 or bricks and TPC's there really isn't any reason to spend the money for the new transformer.  But, if you don't have any "major power supply" and are thinking of moving up, then this new rig should be part of your consideration.  Or unless, of course, you "gotta have it".

"12 amps is a lot of draw, especially on wire that is too thin. I would think 14ga would be minimum at that load"

                           .   .   .   .    JohnS

Aha  .  .  .  .  so the wire I am using has an impact on the amperage limit?

Most of my wire is #16 and some of the feeders are #18 (Atlas track connector feeders).

Therefore, my amperage limitations are the result of thinner wire?

Scrappy

Absolutely wire has an impact.  The wire is only rated for so much current.  If the rating is too low the wire will get hot and possibly burn.  You can have a supply that will put out 12 amps but if the wire is rated for less the 12 amps won't do you much good.  Even if you have the ability to supply 12 amps, you must have the ability to deliver it safely.

Ampacity charts tend to be less useful for smaller gauge wires.  They often show the "in chassis" figure which translates to a very short run (measured in inches) and can be many times higher than the rating for "power transmission" (feet).  E.g. 18 gauge in a chassis can handle 10+ amps while this drops to something like 3 amps for a power distribution run.

Eliot...are you using stranded #14?  It's pretty flexible and agreeable to work with.  Solid, though, is another story.