I was given a MTH Z-750 transformer and controller today. Can I use this with HO, or will it fry all my stuff (i.e., is it limited to O)?
Thanks for your help!
That Z 750 has AC outputs and will most certainly fry your engines! You might be able to use it if you have a rectifier that will change the AC voltage to DC.[xx(][:D]
Okay, so any suggestions on how to make the conversion?
Great gift, huh? LOL!!!
The news doesn’t get much better, because you may also have too much voltage as well, even if you rectify it to DC. Bridge rectifiers are fairly easy to come by and not very expensive.
In addition to voltage limitation, you will probably need to limit the current as that brute could fry your trains before the internal breaker is tripped. Just be careful with that thing.[swg]
Sounds like it’s a bigboy, BigBoy!
Okay, here’s another question. Since it’s AC (and a brute) could it be used for a garden railway? That is something I know nothing about. But I wouldn’t mind learning…
PennsyHoosier, first off, congrats on that first star.
When you first said MTH, I thought of the Z-4000. I grabbed the catalog, and looked up the Z-750 that you have, and see that it is much smaller. That unit has a 75 watt rating, not quite the frying capacity. G gauge trains are going to have pretty much the same problems as HO will with this unit.
AC powered trains are not controlled the same way that DC powered trains are. AC powered trains have a special device built into them that allows them to change direction. That device is called an E-unit. Older trains have mechanical ones, newer trains have electronic ones. Most have a neutral position between forward and reverse.
DC powered trains change the polarity on the rails to switch directions. So, in addition to rectifying the power coming off the unit, you will also need to have a reversing switch. The bell, horn and direction buttons on the unit are useless.
One final quirk of AC powered trains is that they have a higher startup voltage. Often they won’t move until you have 6 volts on the track. This may or may not be a problem, depending on what is behind that throttle knob.
All in all, if you have the option to exchange this unit, that would be my recommendation. For almost the exact same retail value (MSRP difference, 3 cents) get yourself an MRC Tech 4 260. That is one of MRC’s top single throttle power packs, with momentum and lots of power. The Tech 4 280 has dual throttles for the same price, but no momentum, and less total power. Either one is a good choice, depending on your needs and preferences.
Good luck.[:)]
Great points, Big Boy. Since I received the thing for free, I suppose I can let it lie around for a bit until a use presents itself. I have so much stuff in so many guages that surely something will work. Thanks for all the advice–I’m sure I’ll come up with something! And if I hook it up wrong, maybe I’ll just sing the old disco tune: “Burn, baby burn. Disco inferno!” [(-D]
It would be excellent for use in powering lights on your layout if you have any of those. Lights don’t care whether they’re getting AC or DC.
aaaahhhhhhhh!!! Now this is VERY helpful. Thanks Ben.