Does anyone use the MHT Z-DC1 to power switch machines? Thee product description states that it’s a “perfect small power supply to power up accessory lights”, But doesn’t mention switch machines. (I apologize if this is a silly question…)
The MHT Z-DC1 designation is unfamiliar to me, so this will be kind of general.
Some switch machines take very little power, but MUST have DC at an appropriate voltage. Others don’t care if it’s AC or DC, just as long as it’s about 12 volts and can stand a short 2-3 amp peak. So, are you using Tortoise machines (which draw milliamps) or do you use those old twin-coil KTM rocksmashers that can shift the entire turnout assembly sideways if it isn’t solidly anchored? If the former (and not too many of them) you’re probably good to go. If the latter…
My own switch machine power is an old wall wart rated 40 watts, originally intended to charge a portable drill. It has no problem with my KTM and Rix machines. If I had it rigged to power Tortoises it would probably handle fifty or so.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
It seems to me that the power pack you mention will work quite well with most switch machines.
It is a 20 watt (max) DC transformer.
Here is a link to the product:
http://www.mthtrains.com/content/40-200
Rich
In addition to the power supply, for solinoid switch machines, I would recommend a capacitor discharge circuit to prevent switch machine and toggle switch burnout. Circuitron makes one called the Snapper. There are a couple of others.
I went to Radio Shack and bought a small transformer (Sorry, it was 10-15 years ago and I do not recall what size it was) for powering my switch machines. Actually, it provides power to my Circuitron “The Snapper” Capacitor Discharge system and has worked flawlessly since installed. Can’t say the same for my Atlas Switch machines, however.
On a related subject, can one use old trainset power packs for switches and lights? I’ve accumulated about 20 and figured I’d use them somehow.
My yard sale addicted sister has gifted me with a boxful of toy train packs. Originally I planned to use them to power structure lamps and switch machines on a `one per town’ basis. Unfortunately, they aren’t happy with twin-coil switch machines, so now they’re slated for structure lighting only. I power the switch machines from a much more powerful unit, but if I was using a CD circuit per pack I could probably power local machines from the same pack.
If the switch machines are Tortoises, one pack should power ten or a dozen, plus a reasonable number of low-wattage lamps.
(I’m a firm believer in distributed power!)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)