I have unboxed an HO scale train that hasn’t been used since I got it 15 years ago. It is a whole set from a promotion with Zenith TV’s. Anyway the transformer has AC and DC connections, I don’t know which ones to connect it to. I am assuming that hooking it up to the wrong one would be bad. How do I know if my engine is AC or DC? There are no instructions.
Thank you,
Brad
If it’s a North American train set, it should be DC for the track and trains. AC is for lights and accessories.
I believe there are a couple European models that run on AC, but almost all North American HO are DC.
With the single exception of Marklin, HO locomotives run on DC. A train set used in a Zenith TV promotion won’t be Marklin. The ordinary power packs will have one set of terminals to provide variable voltage DC to run the locomotives, and a second set of “auxiliary” terminals to supply a fixed voltage to run lamps, switch machines and other things that want constant power. So, connect the DC terminals to the track and leave the AC terminals un connected until you acquire some accessorier that need constant power.
There are switches (what we know in the hobby as turnouts) that are called snap switches… a conundrum since I just told you that we call them something else, but…oh well… Anyway, these snap switches have a little motor, often some wires, and a remote push-button black box for actuating the switch motor…a solenoid really. In all the cases that I am aware of, those would be powered from your two AC terminals. At least, they certainly are with the Bachmann EZ-Track snap switches. But I heartily agree that your trains should only be run via the DC terminals.
Starter level electricity for model railroaders.
DC goes to the rails. With a toy train power pack, the DC voltage is regulated by the throttle knob/handle to control speed.
AC terminals can be connected to switch machines (through appropriate switches) IF the switch machines are of the twin-coil variety (Atlas, Rix and others.) They can also power streetlights, building lights and lights on the control panel - IF the light circuit is rated 16 volts. Powering a flashlight bulb with 16VAC will convert it into a flash bulb - one flash only.
Without trying very hard, you can make your electricals a LOT more complicated! I am not about to venture into that Olympic-size pool full of worms in print (even though I can swim in it with ease.)
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - analog DC, MZL system)
The obvious question is; if it were a AC system why would they bother to have DC terminals on the transformer?
Additionally, though it’s been years since I ran across any Marklin equipment as I remember it their locomotives had a center pick-up shoe that ran across a series of studs in the middle of the track. The equivalent of a third-rail, much like Lionel uses. Therefore it should be very easy to determine if this is AC equipment ot not. No center contact, no “third-rail”, it’s DC.
Thank you, it is DC. After looking again the AC was for accesories. It works great.
Thanks Again,
Brad