CW-80 and general Wiring Question

[JIMMYDEAN]

This is my first post. I have been reading everything I can for the last 5 months to try and get an understanding to create my first real model RR layout.

I have a 12 x 8 "U" shape config. My main component is a fastrack layout with 8 switches that interconnect 2 main loops. There is a crossover and 2 lines connecting the 2 loops. I have divided this into 3 blocks. I was told to completely isolate them from each other and use 3 transformers to power each block. I used the Fastrack block section and removed all three jumper wires on the underside. This method seems to contradict what I have read. The other way would be to just isolate the center rail at the blocks thereby tying all 3 cw-80's together via ground. Which way is correct? Do I actually wire the ground posts of the transformers together?

Also, I hope to run some type of command control in the future. I read that DCS requires paired home-run wiring. Is there anything else that I should do up front to ease that future transition?

Thanks in Advance for your help.

[Jumijo]

I'll be interested in hearing the right way to do it as well. My understanding is that the center rail has to be isolated, not the outside rails. Three separate transformers (no phasing needed on modern transformers). But do all the common posts need to be wired together? I don't know.

Jim

[HopperSJ]

Someone else should verify this information who is much better versed with the CW-80, but my research implies that the CW-80 is not your average transformer and cannot be wired the way you wire a typical transformer. Perhaps this is where your confusion comes in. However, someone else should help us clarify that.

I am doing a similar layout, albeit slightly smaller. I am using fastrack, CW-80's (at least one, maybe using other brands instead to suplement), and will have it blocked off. However, I am using the different transformers to power different trains, not different blocks. By adding DPDT switches to my transformer connections I will be able to control which transformer is controling which block. Therefore, the transformer follows the train around the layout, not the train jumping from one transofrmer to another as it moves through blocks. This allows me to have two controlers (one of my kids and me) each controlling our own train. That's the plan at least!

[spankybird]

QUOTE: by JimmyDean
Also, I hope to run some type of command control in the future. I read that DCS requires paired home-run wiring. Is there anything else that I should do up front to ease that future transition?

Find a different transformer to use with DCS. Best is one that is a pure sine wave.

[Anonymous]

You can tie the three transformer Commons together as a "layout common" but it is advisable to check and determine that all three transformers are in phase with one another. They likely are in phase, but we do ocassionally find that our Chinese assemblers have reversed internal connections.[180 PoHos and Z-750s for example].
Placing a gap or an insulated pin in the center rail of the connecting track between your three separate Power Districts is all that is needed. However, when operating in Conventional and crossing a train over between two districts, set your voltage near the same on both transformers--both the "trailing" and "leading" district's transformers---which will send both the front and rear pickup rollers similar voltage when they bridge the gap. ( when you convert to Command it will not matter).

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Leonard

You can tie the three transformer Commons together as a "layout common" but it is advisable to check and determine that all three transformers are in phase with one another.

Which will work fine w/ the CW, as long as you keep in mind one big caveat - the "common" terminals on the CW are the RED posts. This will result in the whistle & bell buttons being reversed, and the whistle(formerly bell) function now having about a 2 second "latch" .

If you can ignore this minor annoyance, the other benefit is now you will have THREE adjustable, programmable "fixed" voltage sources(one from each CW) with common returns throughout the layout for power to switches, accessories, & lights, especially useful for insulated track activated accessories & signals, which is ordinarily not possible using the (center rail to red) factory recommended scheme.  The programming stays put even when the CW is unplugged indefinitely.

The usual precautions apply, as to setting throttles to match when crossing blocks or power districts to reduce runaways.  Although no matter how hard you try, the CW will not ever put out over 5 amps each,  so it is of little consequence on the CW's IF your blocks are at mismatched voltages.

If you understand the CW, the eBay prices for the set break-up units is hard to beat value-wise. I'm still waiting for the DW-100 or DW-120 based on the K-Line PowerChief 120 architecture, with it's improvements over the CW, to come to fruition at Lionel.

Rob

[BobbyDing]

I did similar, but with Atlas track and 1033 transformers. Works great now that I have the phasing correct.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=60133

Bobby

[JIMMYDEAN]

QUOTE: Which will work fine w/ the CW, as long as you keep in mind one big caveat - the "common" terminals on the CW are the RED posts. This will result in the whistle & bell buttons being reversed, and the whistle(formerly bell) function now having about a 2 second "latch" .

Well now that's an important piece of info, Rob -Thanks! [:0]

QUOTE: now you will have THREE adjustable, programmable "fixed" voltage sources(one from each CW) with common returns throughout the layout for power to switches, accessories, & lights, especially useful for insulated track activated accessories & signals, which is ordinarily not possible using the (center rail to red) factory recommended scheme

This is where I kinda get lost again. The red is common (return) and gets wired to the center except for a cw80 where I should wire the red to the outside??.

Thanks to all who replied. This is very helpful.

[ADCX Rob]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JIMMYDEAN
This is where I kinda get lost again. The red is common (return) and gets wired to the center except for a cw80 where I should wire the red to the outside??.

Thanks to all who replied. This is very helpful.

That's pretty much it, just ignore the what the color may "mean" to you, and resign yourself to the fact you are using the black terminals for "power" out - kind of like in household wiring where the black is "hot". Think of the red as being instead "white".

Lionel goofed in using colors at all on this CW transformer... I think it's their first attempt w/ the banana jacks other than the similar BW/brick combo, and the 40 watt starter set packs that come with Fastrack.

Rob