[ErnestHouse]

I have 4 voltmeter and 1 ammeter panel mount gauges with which to build a power console. I notice that the Lionel ZW-L has a pair ammeters voltmeters for it's four power output circuits as does the MTH.

Is the ammeter really of any use? When you are driving, how are you using the voltmeter and/or ammeter gauges?

 

[bigdodgetrain]

don't use no gauge use the brick.


http://www.lionel.com/products/180-watt-powerhousetm-power-supply-6-22983/

 

[Maxum]

I have the MTH Z4000. I use the volt meter to insure I'm not putting too little or too many volts to the tracks(I run command control at 18V). I use the amp meter to watch how much power I'm pulling and to ensure no section of my layout is using too many amps (the two sides of the Z4000 power different sections of my layout) during multiple train operations.

 

[ErnestHouse]

I guess I should say all my locomotives are traditional transformer ones and I don't expect to change that. I can see a using voltmeter for accessories but the ZW does have markings that are probably good enough.

What I'm really interested in is providing my grandkids a tool to gauge speed so they don't drive too fast. It would seem to me that both voltage and amperage is going to depend on the loco and it's consist... so it's not a simple train speed indicator. Is there any point in having meters for driving traditional trains?

 

[B&O Forever]

What I'm really interested in is providing my grandkids a tool to gauge speed so they don't drive too fast. It would seem to me that both voltage and amperage is going to depend on the loco and it's consist... so it's not a simple train speed indicator. Is there any point in having meters for driving traditional trains?

I use voice control for my grandkids. If they are going too fast, I provide a verbal correction.

 

[highvoltage]

I guess I should say all my locomotives are traditional transformer ones and I don't expect to change that. I can see a using voltmeter for accessories but the ZW does have markings that are probably good enough.

What I'm really interested in is providing my grandkids a tool to gauge speed so they don't drive too fast. It would seem to me that both voltage and amperage is going to depend on the loco and it's consist... so it's not a simple train speed indicator. Is there any point in having meters for driving traditional trains?

Voltage will be a relative speed indicator, lower voltage will be slower speed, higher voltage - faster speed. An ammeter will measure current, longer trains will draw more current, when multiplied by voltage will give an indication of power consumption (Power = Volts x Amps). You can give your grandchildren a lesson in physics while they run your trains (if they're interested).

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

If I had to pick one gauge, it would clearly be the ammeter. Typically, that's much more useful information than the track voltage.