If I am using an old Post War ZW transformer would I need an AC or DC Voltmeter and Ammeter to measure track voltage and current?
One more question. Does anyone know of a rotary 4 position switch so I can select the ZW output to measure? I don’t want to have four of each Voltmeters and Ammeters.
Okay to my knowledge which isn’t a lot in electricity but I thought they came as dual power reading meaning they can read either way with a turn of a switch.
But to try to answer this more for you your ZW puts out AC power so I guess ac.
AC.
Here is a Radio Shack rotary switch that would do for the voltmeter: http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032278&allCount=91&fbc=1&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2FRotary+Switches&fbn=Type%2FRotary+Switches
The ammeter is much more of a problem. You would need a rather special rotary switch for it. The ammeter switches on the market seem to be intended for switching among 3 power-line phases, not 4, and are probably more expensive than buying the extra ammeters anyway. If you had a meter shunt for each circuit, you could use an inexpensive double-pole switch to switch the galvanometer among the shunts; but you’re not likely to be able to find shunts any cheaper than meters.
AC Panel Meters in the appropriate range are relatively inexpensive and plenty accurate for Toy Train railroading. Shurite is one brand that many have found to be satisfactory.
0-25 VAC Volt Meter, part # 8412Z
0-15 AAC Amp Meter, part # 8508Z
Google Shurite Meters for order info.[or Allied Electronics].
A&Y Ry [Dewey], hope all is well. Are you still up in the high country or back in Greensbobor?
Hey if your building an old school train control panel I want to see some pics. [:)]
Hi Frank
Still up in the Mountains mostly. Have dismantled mountain operation and the upstairs Condo layout you saw in Greensboro is being dismantled in favor of a Den/Exercise room. [we plan to move to G’boro permanently for better medical access after selling the High Country place]. If health holds up I have a smaller layout planned for building in another room.
Hope all is well with you.
Here is the control panel
Test track transfomer with AC to DC converter
Jim
Use the switch mentioned above; the ammeter can be connected in the common side of the ZW. Then you only need the one meter and no switching for the ammeter. Makes the whole thing easy.
But the ammeter will read the sum of the four individual currents. Is that what you want?
Along this train of thought, an ammeter in series with the primary will measure the current drawn by the transformer, which is proportional to the total power consumed by the transformer, since the primary voltage is (more or less) constant. For a ZW, a 3-ampere meter would be appropriate.