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New to Z - forwards vs reverse performance?
14 years 1 month ago #8524
by headwerkn
Replied by headwerkn on topic Re:New to Z - forwards vs reverse performance?
ULie wrote:
The bigger one is the 120V US controller with a built in transformer (came with the 81862), the smaller a transformer-less 11VDC International controller that uses a 240VAC-12VDC generic branded wall wart-type adapter with an Australian plug (came along with the 81560).
According to my multimeter the AU controller outputs 10.81V/-10.82V at the terminals... the US controller (a rather worrying) 15.56V/-15.64V at the terminals. I think the latter's high output might have something to do with using it with a 220V/120V stepdown transformer... AC line voltage here in Australia is 240V, so the transformer might be receiving more power than it's expecting, hence the higher than 10VDC output to the tracks.
Though I'm careful not to run full power on the US-transformer for more than short bursts, actual performance is basically the same. It is a little hard to gauge because I have the US-transformer on the small circle whereas the AU-transformer is on the big layout, but the BR151 runs fine on both right down to the lowest "off-notch" setting on either transformer. My BR24 - as mentioned previously - stalls well before this point.
On the subject of power... the 81560 starter set came with a pre-wired feeder track that had a coupling capacitor on the terminals plus a shrink-wrapped block on the wires... not sure if it is a resistor back, diodes or a bridge rectifier... the 81862 just came with bare wires you fit yourself, and for the circle I've soldered feeder wires directly to the sides of the tracks. I'm not too sure, but I think the pre-wired set might have some kind of voltage reducing/limiting function - anyone confirm this?
In your pictures I saw that you have both kind of transformers: the bigger grey/white one with the power cable connected directly to the transformer, and the smaller grey/white one which is divided in two parts: the control part with the dial and the wall socket power source. (I hope I'm not too far off with my English on this one...
). Is there a difference in the behavior of a loco using those two versions of a controller? For example is a loco running better with one of those controllers especially at slow speeds/lower voltage?
The bigger one is the 120V US controller with a built in transformer (came with the 81862), the smaller a transformer-less 11VDC International controller that uses a 240VAC-12VDC generic branded wall wart-type adapter with an Australian plug (came along with the 81560).
According to my multimeter the AU controller outputs 10.81V/-10.82V at the terminals... the US controller (a rather worrying) 15.56V/-15.64V at the terminals. I think the latter's high output might have something to do with using it with a 220V/120V stepdown transformer... AC line voltage here in Australia is 240V, so the transformer might be receiving more power than it's expecting, hence the higher than 10VDC output to the tracks.
Though I'm careful not to run full power on the US-transformer for more than short bursts, actual performance is basically the same. It is a little hard to gauge because I have the US-transformer on the small circle whereas the AU-transformer is on the big layout, but the BR151 runs fine on both right down to the lowest "off-notch" setting on either transformer. My BR24 - as mentioned previously - stalls well before this point.
On the subject of power... the 81560 starter set came with a pre-wired feeder track that had a coupling capacitor on the terminals plus a shrink-wrapped block on the wires... not sure if it is a resistor back, diodes or a bridge rectifier... the 81862 just came with bare wires you fit yourself, and for the circle I've soldered feeder wires directly to the sides of the tracks. I'm not too sure, but I think the pre-wired set might have some kind of voltage reducing/limiting function - anyone confirm this?
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