My vintage power-packs that I intended to use on my N scale layout. It's pretty nice that one of them has the original box as well. I'm wondering if anyone has seen the manual for them, or know where I can download them, and if they can be used for Z-scale DC block control. I assume I'd have to wire the layout without a common return wire, and use the method where each section of track is wired with two separate wires for power and a DPDT switch to pick cab 1 or 2?
I don't know anything about those power supplies But i can tell you that a new Z scale rated power supply is cheaper than buying a new motor for your Z scale locomotive.
based on the Duette box, the output voltage is 12V. As long as your Z scale locomotives run on that voltage, they should be fine. I found this on another Tapatalk forum: it looks like an H and M catalog http://www.stable-cottage-potterne.co.uk/HM3000/HM_11thEd.pdf?LMCL=eASm67. It shows the Duette (looks like a different version though). I had to do some reading on Hammant and Morgan, so I doubt many US modelers would know the brand well. What are you using the Motorman for? It looks like a transformer that just puts out a constant 12 volts. I don't think it can control train speed.
The max Z scale voltage is commonly listed as 8-10 volts, so turning these up to full output (12 volts) would be high enough to damage things. There won't be a problem if you can have the discipline to always stay below ~75%. Also you would have to know that no one else will turn it up too far, including children. You could protect things by adding some kind of physical stop on the knob to avoid going over 9 volts or so. Maybe a wire drilled into the side of the knob and a screw into the face panel to keep from turning the knob too far? MRC makes the AT-880, which will drop the output of a power pack by 4 volts. This would be ideal and it sells for less than $10. Honestly, it is just 6 diodes in series (and another 6 in the other direction for going in reverse), so if you have electronics experience, you can make your own. Jim
I had a look at what the specifications for the Märklin controllers for Z was, and realised that the vintage Duette was too strong. I'm now looking into the DIY version built from LED dimmers and a couple of switches and a power adapter for 9V. I'll save my Duette for a time when I can build a small N scale layout... some time into the future when my Z scale layout is completed.
I recommand to use a system that doesn't go beyond 8 volts, because as said earlier some Z scale locos are rated to 8 volts, no more (for example Micro-Trains F7s). I fried a few Z scale locomotives' motors using a supply system supposedly ok for Z, but supplying up to 12 volts.. Dom
