Best track voltage

Airbuspilot

Airbuspilot

Registered
Country flag
We have two ZIMO MX 10 base units, one as master the other as a booster. ZIMO deliver the units set to 16volts and so far we have not changed this setting. We had some problems powering up an incline and I increased the voltage to 19 volts as an experiment. The Loco seemed to run faster but still struggled on the gradient.

Increasing the voltage presumably reduces the amperage under load (which could be a good thing?) is there a general consensus for best operating voltage? I am reluctant to go to 24 volts and risk damaging something.

I fitted buck converters to reduce track voltage for lights on two locos, presumably increasing track voltage could risk over voltage to the lights.

Robin
 
Airbuspilot said:
We have two ZIMO MX 10 base units, one as master the other as a booster. ZIMO deliver the units set to 16volts and so far we have not changed this setting. We had some problems powering up an incline and I increased the voltage to 19 volts as an experiment. The Loco seemed to run faster but still struggled on the gradient.

Increasing the voltage presumably reduces the amperage under load (which could be a good thing?) is there a general consensus for best operating voltage? I am reluctant to go to 24 volts and risk damaging something.

I fitted buck converters to reduce track voltage for lights on two locos, presumably increasing track voltage could risk over voltage to the lights.

Robin
Click to expand...
It depends. Not sure there is an 'optimal' voltage. I run my layout at 20V. Part of these reason for that is using 18V smoke units in locos with Seuthe style and some 18-19V LEDs. I dont have to adjust output voltages from decoders as there is a 1-2V loss through the decoder. Thats why I do it. Everything else seems fine. As you mention if using higher track voltage than may need to fit resistors, buck converters, or dim the outputs in order not to over-voltage LEDs and Seuthe smoke units.
 
How steep is the incline?
Is there a bend before / after the incline?

I would also look at continuity of track / voltage.

Check the specification of your buck-converter, if going to 24V. - Some may not like it.
You should not see a higher output voltage from these, unless you exceed their operating parameters.

PhilP.
 
PhilP said:
How steep is the incline?
Is there a bend before / after the incline?

I would also look at continuity of track / voltage.

Check the specification of your buck-converter, if going to 24V. - Some may not like it.
You should not see a higher output voltage from these, unless you exceed their operating parameters.

PhilP.
Click to expand...
Thank you both for your inputs.

I think I will go for 20 V as a start, I think 16 V is probably a manufactures compromise. We don't have smoke units so not an issue for us and the buck converters are adjustable. It means I have to open them up again which is a pity.

We solved the incline problem by lowering the problem section.

Robin
 
Never mind the voltage what is the gradient on your incline? This and if there is a curve in it could damage your locomotive. Be instructive to know that gradient, what locomotive and how many axles of train you are trying to get up that incline?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom