Just got a new MTL GP35, and on the spec sheet it says, Warning DO NOT use Pulse Power... Does anyone know what kind of equipment Micro train is referring not to use? Is it the Gaugemaster? Thanks
Humm, that would be interesting to know? Because I have already used my GP-35 with an RELCO track cleaning unit for about 10houers strait so far. It does not seem to have taking any damage to it yet but if they recommend that the motor or other electronics can get hurt it would be nice to know.
I think Pulse Power is the same as AC power - alternating current: an electric current that reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals. Z-scale uses DC power - direct current: an electric current flowing in one direction only.
You might have better luck with this topic in the DCC and electronics forum. I am pretty sure that pulse power is not AC current. Pulse power is a DC current that has not been fully rectified, or had been modified in some way so that the wave is not smooth on top. Small MRC power packs used to have pulse power all the time. On some power packs, you can turn it off. Pulse power was made to allow slower, smoother starts and stops, but I don't know if it is required today. We need an electron guy here. In any case, don't use it until you are clear about the consequences.
Don't worry, the Gaugemasters and Relcos do not use pulse power. I am not an electronics guys, but I have read quite a bit on the subject. It was recently discussed in the Z Yahoo forum. Basically, some transformers use a higher intensity of pulse power. Say a transformer made for HO that you are trying to use for Z. If these are used, it can cause Z locos to over heat. The reason is that some of the pulses can exceed the 10v maximum of most Z motors. Interesting enough, the white Marklin power packs use pulse for the low range operations. It is not enough to hurt motors. I would only use power packs that are rated for Z scale to be on the safe side. I also strongly recommend the Gaugemasters if you are not using DCC. Rob Kluz
Ok, Thanks everyone for all your answers, but does using a DCC on the z loco's make them run smoother like a Gaugemaster? (just a note; I know what a DCC is, I’ve been installing them on 3 HO loco for my former boss, but I never tried them or saw them work)
In principle, for DCC to make the engine run smoother, or differently, it would have to change the current. I don't think DCC does that. DCC gives you control over the engine depending on how it is programed. DC only allows control over the engine based on the track current. For example, DCC would not alter the starting voltage of the motor. The motor would start at the same voltage in DCC as it would in using DC.
Rob So why would you recommend using a Gaugemaster "IF" I am not using a DCC on my trains? Could you elaborate? Thanks
Correct, I recommend using a Gaugemaster (or Relco) if you are not using DCC. The performance enhancements that the Gaugemaster offer Z scale locomotives are incredible. They smooth out the operations of the locomotives, often eliminate stalling due to dirty track, keep motors free from grime and decrease the time needed to clean track. I love them! I personally believe they are the secret to running Z scale trains smoothly. I know my trains due not stall at all when I use the Gaugemaster. This is over my complete 2' x 27' layout. Prior to the Gaugemaster, some of my locos would stall once or twice everytime around. The reason Gaugemasters work is that they use back EMF to sense the locomotives running. DCC also uses back EMF for the same reason. DCC compensates if a loco begins to stall in a similar fashion the Gaugemaster responds. This is the reason you can not use both together. Rob Kluz
You are being warned not to use anything that "pulses" DC power or put another way, adds a frequency to DC power. There is conventional DC pulse power and also PWC pulse power. PWC actually controls the width of the pulse. You can read more here: web page
