Amperage and the new ZW

[msacco]

Okay,

I'm still learning about all this electrical stuff but after running my layout for a couple of months now, I just purchased the volt/amp meter for my new zw.

      It's really nice to have these readouts but I've noticed something and I'm not sure if the meter is working properly or not.

    the four channels on the new zw always reflect the voltage properly but I've noticed the the amp measurement for all 4 channels is the same. So if i run a train on channel A for example the amp readout below the voltage might be say .2 amps. Now when I run a second train on channle C. the amperage reading will go up to maybe .5 but both channel A and C will read the .5 setting.

    My question is..... is amperage a cumulative thing even though I have 4 distinct power channels on my new ZW. All channels share a common ground bus, so I'm wondering if this has anything to do with it. My switches do not effect the ampeage readout. They are using the common ground bus, but phased using a postwar transformer.

    Little clueless, here but maybe can enlighten me.

 

thanks,

Mike S.

[chuck]

The unit has problems getting accurate readings if the power levels are below 9 volts (especially if only on one output) and the battery is not fully charged.  This is a NiCad battery and is susceptible to memory problems/issues.  Refer to page 7 of the manual.

[msacco]

Thanks Chuck,

But the readings are accurate, at least the voltage ones are. And it's not battery related. I am usually running at least two channels and usually more. votlage is usually 10 volts are higher.

Again, it's just the the amperage appears to be cummulative reading across all 4 channels.

 

Mike S.

[EIS2]

The ZW volt/ammeter reads current through the ground.  You are using common ground.  You will have to separate the grounds to get accurate current readings.  I had the same problem with my layout and had to separate the grounds.  That was a poor design on Lionel's part because Lionel reccomends common bus wiring.

Earl

[chuck]

They should have been pulling current readings off of each of the "hot" posts.  An ammeter is usually inserted in series in the circuit, not accross.  When I use my hand held meter, I disconect the wire going to the track and alligator clip one lead for the meter to the terminal post and the other alligator clip to the wire that goes to the track.  I could measure off the U side, but I would still be looking at a disconnect from the track to the U terminal and inserting the meter "there".

[msacco]

The ZW volt/ammeter reads current through the ground.  You are using common ground.  You will have to separate the grounds to get accurate current readings.  I had the same problem with my layout and had to separate the grounds.  That was a poor design on Lionel's part because Lionel reccomends common bus wiring.

Earl

Thanks Earl,

This makes sense as far as what I'm seeing displayed. I guess I'll just leave it alone. don't want to have to undo my wiring unless I absolutely have to.

Mike S.