Fastrack

[wdhansen]

I have lionel fastrack products. I have 6 switches that are wired for constant voltage. All the wires for the switches run to one termination bar and then to a accessory transformer. When I power them up they all work great. When I connect the track to a 80watt lionel transformer the light flashes indicating some kind of short. I checked the track and everything looks good. It seems like a simple fix but can not figure it out. Do I need to phase the 2 transformers? I watched a video on how to phase them, but am confused on how to connect the track and switches to the transformers after they are phased together.

[ADCX Rob]

Photos please.

What accessory transformer?

How are you making the COMM accessory transformer connection to the switches?

[wdhansen]

1.8 amp Lionel transformer. The switches all connect to a distribution block. One side has all the ground connections and one side has all positive. From that there is a ground and positive that comes off and goes onto the accessory transformer.

[TrainLarry]

Once the transformers are phased together, the connections to the track and turnouts is normal. The common terminals of both transformers get connected to the outside rails, the hot wire from the track transformer gets connected to the center rails, and the hot from the accessory transformer powers the turnouts.

Larry

[wdhansen]

This may sound ridiculous, but would you be able to send me just a diagram?

[wdhansen]

The common from the turnouts get connected to the outside rail also?

[wdhansen]

I just tried it and when I tried connecting the positive from the track to the track controller it created a spark.

[wdhansen]

Here is where my switches all get attached to. Where do I run the common and ground from here?

[TrainLarry]

To phase the transformers, disconnect them from all track and accessories. Connect the common wire from both transformers together. Set the throttles on both transformers part way up. Plug in the transformers. Briefly touch the 2 hot wires from both transformers together. You will get either a big spark, or a small, or no spark response. If you get a big spark, reverse the AC plug of one transformer in the wall and try again. Now mark both AC cords so that they can be inserted in the wall socket the same way in the future. Now hook both common wires to the outside rail of your track. The hot wire from your track transformer gets connected to the center rail of your track. The hot wire from your accessory transformer gets connected to the constant power terminal of your turnouts. Turn on the power and enjoy your trains.

Larry