MTH controler and Lionel ZW

[wfa]

Can someone tell me if I can use a lionel ZW to power a Mth controller and get the same results as using an MTH brick?

[ADCX Rob]

Yes.

[wfa]

thanks

[dbaker48]

Which ZW do you have?  The post war version or the new one which has "bricks" attached to it?

The old ZW will provide the voltage, BUT it does NOT have the voltage and current protection that you should have for you MTH system, (I am assuming you are referring to the MTH TIU.)  Unless you add the correct safe guards you can have a high risk of "zapping" the MTH system or MTH engine electronics with a simple derailment.

 

[ADCX Rob]

dbaker48

The old ZW will provide the voltage, BUT it does NOT have the voltage and current protection that you should have for you MTH system, (I am assuming you are referring to the MTH TIU.)  Unless you add the correct safe guards you can have a high risk of "zapping" the MTH system or MTH engine electronics with a simple derailment.

The TIU does, in fact, have fuse protection and TVS protection. The ZW will work fine, just confirm proper operation of the circuit breaker.

[ChiefEagles]

Rob, I have one for you.  Don Baker and I have discussed this.  Version 7 TIU purchased a year ago [replaced one from around 2000] that had been up graded over an over].  Occassionally blows the 20 AMP internal fuse.  Order of power. 

4 Post War ZW's with auto reset 15 AMP breaker [automotive type] powering each channel of TIU.

Fast blowing 15 AMP fuses for each channel.

TIU with all four channels set on fixed [one for each track section].  It has internal 20 AMP fuse for each channel.

TVS for for all four channels.

15 AMP Fast acting breakers for each tracks.

In the TIU, looking from the power going end of the TIU, the third from the right 20 AMP fuses blows occassionally.

To complicate this situation, I have a wiring setup so I can "bridge" the two track sections together and feed power from the far left channel.  Never blows that fuse.  Thing is, it is feeding the same TVS and fast acting breaker as before.  Seems something internal is allowing that one channel fuse to blow early.   

Give us a solution.  Thanks

[ADCX Rob]

That would be a good question for Barry Broskowitz.