I have been noticing the Google Ads on the left of the screen for a while. Mostly train shops.
I was recently reading a topic on transformers and discovered this site:
100 KVA Transformers
We build custom designed power transformers from 1 KVA to 250 KVA www.lcmagnetics.com
Talk about power for trains!
I LIKE these targeted ads. Good chance I will find something I need, but didn’t know where to find it. (I thought the example was humorous. They make really big transformers, like for on a pole.)
I also use Google for web searches and have been finding, more and more, that the targeted ads satisfy my needs more often than the search results.
And if CTT can get some revenue and keep the forum free, I am for it.
Speaking of High power transformers, I have two 1kva trans that power my 14 x 22 layout. I got a deal on them witch is why I have two, although one would be plenty.
That’s 1000 continuous watts each not peak. It’s like having 6 ZW’s (175 cw) in one unit!
You can buy these relatively cheap ($75 to $80) at a local elec.supply house.
They are just regular transformers. The new ones come in a metal box that can be mounted to a wall or piece of plywood. You then can wire the 120v primary with a piece of cord (14awg 3 wire) with a male connector on one end and a cord grip on the other.
There is room for your splices in the bottom of the trans box.
The secondary can be bought with 14v, 18v or 24v. The ones I’m using have a 14v sec.
I wire the secondary to 2 TPC’s. One is a 300 with 15a breaker which gives me 210w.
the other one is a 400 with a 20a breaker which gives me 280w.
Just to be safe I further limit the TPC’s with 10a breakers each. Which gives me 140w
on each loop. This is plenty for what I am running now.
I might also add that I put Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS) at the outputs of my transformers to protect any electronics down the line and in the engines to protect the electronics there.
Everyone should use these no matter what trans they have. A TVS is about the size of a diode and cost about .65c from Digi-key.