I read in a post on the OGR about using fuses with diodes to protect your engines. they also mentioned it being posted by Bob Nelson on this forum. so Bob if you are reading this, what kind of diodes are they and what extra protection do they offer? will these diodes be as effective if I use a manual reset circuit breaker?
Not being an expert on the subject, but diodes to the best of my knowledge block current from going one way, mainly used in alternators on cars. Can also be used to simulate DC current from an AC source, like to blow the whistle on a steam loco.
The guys over at OGR must have been talking about two rail operation and they may use diodes. I am mainly into three rail but have some electrical and minor electronic knowledge.
From my own opion I would go with circuit breakers. Scotts Odds and Ends sells circuit breakers in 10 amp & 15 amp variety.
Lee F.
If you two are talking about the same post I saw on the OGR forum, the post mentioned Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) in general and lionelsoni’s posts on the subject in particular. Readers were encouraged to do a search in the archives of this forum.
Ditto to what BF said. Bob is a advocate of TVS. I am doing both TVS and “Fast Blow” resettable circuit breakers (10amp) to protect my system/engines. A little money now to protect expensive equipment later.
dennis
I just got out the order slip from Mouse; www.mouser.com Vishay Semiconductors Transient Voltage Suppressor, MFG PN: 1.5KE36CA-E/54, 1500watt 36volt Bidtrect.
That gives you part number and company to order from on the Mouser website.
Lee F.
thanks guys, does this diode go before or after the fuse? do you use a diode on both wires?
The TVS goes in parallel with the track or the transformer. That is, one TVS lead connects to the outside rails or transformer common; the other TVS lead connects to the center rail or the variable voltage terminal of the transformer. Where you put the fuse doesn’t matter, except for convenience in replacing it when it blows…
thanks Bob[8D]