I have a small layout approximately 5x9 powered by a PW ZW. I have wired my seven 022 switches to the fixed voltage plugs to Post B. Track is wired to Post A. If I turn up the voltage to approx 18 v the switches work great. When I t try to run a train the switches lose power . IF I wire the switches to a separate 1033 then things work great. Do I have a problem with the ZW or is this why everyone seems to power switches off of a separate transformer?
Although I’ve not experienced it myself (I’ve alway had separate transformers), I’ve heard that PW ZW’s are affected by multiple power draws more than some others (Z’s seem to be better, but they have no whistle/direction buttons). Lionel made the dual-coil TW transformer specifically to prevent the voltage drop - one coil for running a train and the other for accessories.
Just for grins, try wiring your track to D and your switches to C. Chances are the left-side components are less worn, since most operators are right-handed and use the A and B levers. Might not help, but it couldn’t hurt!
BTW, with 7 O-22 switches, the 14 lit bulbs would be drawing about 63W, the limit for continuous operation of 1033. Throwing a switch only produces a temporary load, so that won’t be a problem. But consider dedicating the 1033 to just those switches.
PW ZW can only put out a continuous output of 180 watts total (275 watts was what it could consume). The unit will also dump the power wherever it sees the most load.
There’s nothing in your description of the problem to suggest that what you’re trying to do is beyond the capability of a properly wired, properly working postwar ZW. You need to find the problem and fix it. A $10 multi meter from Radio Shack could work wonders here.
Are all the commons tied to the “U” posts? Are any of your switches shorted? (Ever see what happens when a loose track pin finds it’s way into the guts of an 022?).
Did the problem just start out of the blue?
Stay with it. Solve it. Or it will come back to haunt you.
The 1033 can be mounted anywhere thanks to its light weight, and slots in the stamped base. We have mounted them on the side & upside down as needed in inconspicuous places.
I suspect that you have the A terminal connected to the outside rails and the U to the center rail. Since the switches are using the outside rail as their common return, increasing the track voltage decreases the voltage available to the switches. A should be on the center rail, U on the outside rails.
Thanks so much. You were right on target. Somehow or the other I had the leads switched from the transformer to the terminal block that distributes power to the layout. I had looked at it from every angle but I guess I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.
Mitch;
Have you tried cleaning the ZW inside by taking the top cover off and wiping the tops of the transformer clean with a rag. Also have you cleaned your 022 switches recently?
An important thing to look at with 022 switches is the constant voltage plug, is it in correctly? The only drawback to using 022 switches is they need cleaning more often to work properly.
I have tried to insulate an 022 switch from the track power completely by taping the underside with electrical tape to break the common power and found that it was too much trouble to operate the switch that way, I recommend staying with one of the two ways Lionel says to wire the switch. Remember that 022 switches differ in the placement of the insulating pins from 23011 series O gauge.
Lee F. in West Palm Beach FL
As usual Lionelsoni is a big help. I have my layout wired similarly with switches on B attached to fixed voltage plugs and the mainlines wired to A and D. C is reserved for operating accessories and my 1033 will be used for lighting as it is added. On Lionelsoni’s advice I have block wired the switches used as crossovers from one loop to the other and toggle between A and D so that the power source is consistent when making the crossover. Glad you found your problem!
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