Tom, Someone on the list may have a technical answer. However, I can tell you from experience: I have my transformers in phase with the base posts all connected and the output posts going to a bridge rectifier, then to the track. I have five transformers connected this way for five different blocks. Most of my locos have bridge rectifiers in their tenders and I use a DPDT switch to reverse polarity and reverse direction of the loco. Even the locos I haven't gotten around to converting yet work just fine, using the reverse unit for direction control. Unless some one knows otherwise, I consider this to be a DC common rail system. I also use a prewar 1282 transformer on AC for my accessories. I have found this transformer can deliver up to 25V. I dial up what I need to make the switches snap. Cheaper than buying a 30b. The AC comes back on the base posts with the DC and it doesn't seem to matter to the transformers, trains or accessories.
Hope this helps, -Tim ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, October 25, 2002 3:28 PM Subject: [S-Trains] another DC common r ? Here is another question I have about DC common rail systems: how do you hook up multiple power sources? If you use only 1 power source to power a large toy rr, it must have a lot of amps, potentially enough to weld pickup wheels to the rails and unleash major destruction during shorts caused by derailments. I doubt such a system would be kind to solid state circuit boards either, for those who are partial to them. With an AC common rail (base post) system, I have had as many as 6 transformers, mostly double turret, in phase, with the base posts or commons connected together, to power various segments of the track (and also action cars). Power flows beautifully and easily through a system like that. In other words, it provides a lot of power but not too much at any one spot. How do you do this in a DC common rail system?? Can it be done? How are the power sources connected to each other, if they are? Should the AC sources of the DC(behind the rectifiers be in phase, or do some other rules apply? Thanks. Tom Jarcho S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
