phasing new and old transformers

[Anonymous]

I'm about to buy a new 6-32930 ZW transformer, a tmcc comand base and cab1, I'm going to run 2 trains and my switches from. I want to keep my prewar v to run lights and track accessories from. Will I be able to phase the 2 together without problems? All of my track accessories are controled though isolated common rail track.

[lionelsoni]

The accessory voltage doesn't need to have the same phase, frequency, nor even the same waveform as the track voltage.  Although I don't know what kind of waveform the new "ZW" puts out, it doesn't matter anyway.

[chuck]

All of the new stuff is supposed to be in phase with all of the other new stuff.  The three prong or polarized two prong plugs make it hard to change the phasing.  You can always "adjust" the phase on the older stuff to match the new stuff.  You can put a dab of paint on the older plugs to indicate which way the plug should be inserted to match phase with the new stuff.

As noted in the previous post, if the accessories are completely isolated it doesn't matter.  You only have to worry about phasing issues when you tie two circuits together, either on purpose, or by accident.

[lionelsoni]

I took the statement, "[A]ll of my track accessories are controled though isolated common rail track", to mean that the commons of both transformers are connected to his outside rails, which some may not consider to qualify as being "completely isolated".  Nevertheless, there is no need for phasing in this situation (although it is harmless).

[phillyreading]

Not sure about the output of the new ZW transformer but off hand I would say not to phase an older and a new transformer. On the older ZW's the circuit breaker is a little slower to trip, the new ZW's use a lower starting voltage.

If you use the older ZW for lighting and accessories it should do just fine.

As for lighting only you can use DC power but do not hook up to any AC wires!

Lee F.

[lionelsoni]

DC works just fine for accessories that share a common with the track.  All my turnouts and uncouplers are powered with DC.

DC has the advantages of capacitive-discharge turnout throwing, to eliminate buzzing and coil damage, and diode logic to throw a combination of turnouts with a single control.