I have a DCS52 with the UP6Z -4/-6 voltage reducer. The DCS52 specs says it puts out 13V. The Digitrax decoders say not to exceed 8V. But the AZL locomotives run very slow with -4 or -6 (effectively then 9 or 7 volts). AZL says their modern locos run at 12V. Do I live with the slow speed to protect the decoder or run at 13V and just not crank it up? Or is there a better alternative?
You say that AZL says their locos run at 12V, just like N-Scale locos. If that is the case, I would leave the DSC52 alone with no need to add a voltage reducer. The fact that AZL locos run slow with the reducer further reinforces AZL's statement about their locos. You do have to be careful and use the voltage reducer if you have other manufacturers' Z-Scale locos which run at 8-9 volts.
But if I run without the voltage reducer, aren't I threatening the Digitrax decoder which is recommended to stay below 8V? That, I think, is the real issue.
"For most Z Scale layouts, Digitrax recommends using 8V DCC for operation, to avoid heat damage to locomotive motors & shells." The 8 volts is a recommendation, not a requirement, and is because of some Z-scale equipment using 8 volt motors. You will not damage the decoder using it on 12 volt track power.
What Robert said. It's not the decoder. The decoders can handle 12 volts. It's the motor in your loco that may or may not. In this case it can since AZL, the manufacturer, said so.
