Thanks,
Right! I actually use two identical transformers: one for the Zephyr and one for the snap switches.
Since the power for the zephyr plugs directly in, I guess I will have to now put it to a terminal strip and run one power line to the zephyr and another to the booster.
The "old transformer's ac terminals" method is probably the best. Seeing as how the Zephyr's power supply has a plug on it to plug into the Zephyr console, I HOPE you didn't tap off that for other items liek snap switches and building lights. You definitely want different power supplies for elements like switch motors. for the reasons mentioned above.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Right. The PTB power input can be either AC or DC, and is whatever you're powering your DCC Command Station with.
I would not use the same power supply for switch motors, though; especially not snap switches. Snap switches draw so much current that they can cause serious voltage spikes that can damage your Zephyr and the PTB. Use a separate power transformer for the snap switches, or even the AC terminals of an old DC power pack.
Uh, there is a really good reason that my product came without documentation. Nevertheless, thanks for the info.
So the Zephyr power transformer puts out 15V AC @ 3amps. Therefore I hook up the booster to this power---which is the same type of connection I use for the snap switch motors etc. etc.?
I don't know why yours came with no documentation, because the two I bought sure did. It's inside the package. Look again.
There are six wires:
2 black wires connect to your DCC system's power supply.
2 red wires connect to the programming track connections of the command station.
2 yellow wires connect to the programming track.
You need a DC power supply for it - the Zephyr power supply is AC. At least this is what I have seen elsewhere - it's rather annoying they don;t have any documentation on hooking it up, not even on their web site. In some palces it says "uses the same power suppyl as your command station" but pretty much every DCC system comes with or specifies an AC power supply, athough some will work with a DC supply, the ones they supply under their own brand typically are AC. So just what does it need? You got me. I don't have one to look at, perhaps it can use AC or DC, but without any confirming information don't just go hooking it to the Zephyr power supply.