What DC power supply is suggested for Z Scale? I see Micro-Trains modifies a unit for Z but I don't see one on any of our advertisers web sites or eBay. Is there any other recommended DC power for Z? I don't want to damage my new locomotives. :tb-shocked: Charlie
So far for me I just put a mark on my dial so i know where 8volts is. You can see here: http://www.zscalemonster.com/mt/power/995-13-000c.jpg it is pretty much what MRC did as well.
I'm confident that I'll need something more foolproof. When one bump could cause a problem, that's a bad setup for me. Charlie
Chalie, the MTL Power supply will work fine, and I have used it for over a year with no problems. It works better with a electronic cleaner, but its not necessary. I prefer the Ztechk hand held controller. It works a little better. There is two version, ac and dc power version.
A electronic track cleaner helps keep the electric contact between the wheels and track. It really helps in the slow speed control. Ztrack: Various Electronic Goodies
I have the modified MRC powerpack and have had no problems with it. You can use other power packs if you reduce the voltage and MRC makes voltage reducers you just connect between the power pack and track. I have an old MRC sound and power pack I bought for N scale and plan to use it with the voltage reducers so I have a little sound on my layout. But, for the price, you can't beat the MRC pack and both Z Train Things and Z Scale Monster Trains sell it. John
I had an MRC 1300 power pack connected to a Relco electronic track cleaner, and it worked great until someone connected my DCC unit to it. Oops! I bought one of the white 8A Marklin power supplies off ebay for $29, mainly because if I replace the MRC with another MRC, it gives 16vac for accessories, where the Marklin gives 10vac. It's safer for my accessories, as I don't want to burn out my roundhouse doors or turntable motor.
Good point, Robert. I used my MRC to run the trains, and a Marklin Pack to run my turnouts. I have one of the wallwart version of the Ztheck controller. I heard that you can you it for the turnouts, but I never use it that way. I have everything connected to the Marklin pack, so I wasnt going to mess around with it.
I have been using a Titan transformer for Z, seems to give better responses at lower voltages than the marklin and more than sufficient power for accessories.
Charlie, sorry to get in on the end of this coversation. The N scale and most of the HO power packs are fine. Your locos aren't going to explode if they go above 8 V and unless you fall asleep at the wheel and mush the throttle all the way forward, you'll certainly know when you are above 8 volts as the locos should be running at Lionel speed. Just make a mark on the dial or, on the ones that have an extended lever, just press on a sticky protector like the ones for under items. If you plan to run older Micro Trains F7's, they draw almost 5x what a Marklin or modern MTl GP35 or GP9 so they'll run slow on an 'overloaded' Marklin power pack. The MRC low end power packs work fine. The Relco Gauge Master (www.Ztrack.com) helps low speed running with any power pack but don't us it if you have electronics in the passenger cars (like constant voltage lighting) as the high voltage that occurs when there is dirt on the tracks can easily excede the low voltage semiconductor limits. You'll be fine with what ever you use. Enjoy running your trains. '
I would say if you are going to run marklin Steam a gaugemaster is a must if you want to eliminate the stalls. I use the Jorger speed controllers that were offered by Z-track. I believe they have been sold out. The work very very well for ultra fine speed controll. I think Z-thek snail controller operate the same from what I heard. My experince is the gaugemaster with the Jorgers work very very well in giving slwo speed with no stalls. However if I only use the Jorger with out the gaugemasters I get constant stalls with small steam. Thus my constant asking for tenders with all wheel pickup. Now if you are running any of the new MT loco's or AZL you don't really have to worry. They run fine with any power pack. My two cents.
Thanks for all the advice fellows. I'll try to digest it... Joe, I doubt if I will run Marklin stuff. It's probably going to be about all Micro-Trains. I just don't want to damage them by turning it up too high by accident. Charlie
