[JPR]

I have been running HO for many years, but recently had to scale down to a move to a much smaller living place.
SO... I went all in and embraced Z Scale.

Question is: As I have many old 12v power controllers, and I am not ready to convert to digital yet, I would like to use one of my 12v contolelrs to power my Z scale. I am aware that z scale should be only 8-10v, so what I want to know, is how hard is it to convert or change an old controller? Is there a resister or step down module i can buy? Any suggestions?

 

[x_doug_x]

I have 2 z scale starter sets i'd sell, but I can't let them go too cheap.

 

[ogaugeguy]

I have 2 z scale starter sets i'd sell, but I can't let them go too cheap.

Which sets are they, their condition, approximate run time and how much would you want for them? Pictures would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[RadCrow]

Z Scale Battery Operated Controller

Is there a way to utilize a Rokuhan Z gauge battery train controller RC03 to power non-Rokuhan accessories such as street lights and scratch built carnival rides? Rokuhan does not sell the sockets that fit into their accessory power terminal. Alternatively, I require a battery controller for a suitcase layout. Is there any other battery controller that would do the job that is not made by Rokuhan?

 

[traction fan]

Voltage regulator

I have been running HO for many years, but recently had to scale down to a move to a much smaller living place.
SO... I went all in and embraced Z Scale.

Question is: As I have many old 12v power controllers, and I am not ready to convert to digital yet, I would like to use one of my 12v contolelrs to power my Z scale. I am aware that z scale should be only 8-10v, so what I want to know, is how hard is it to convert or change an old controller? Is there a resister or step down module i can buy? Any suggestions?

JPR;

You might try a voltage regulator. Common fixed regulators are 5 v, 9v, 12v, and 15 v. I'm not sure that there is a fixed 8v regulator. but a 9v one may work. Also there are variable regulators that you could set for 8v. I recommend mounting the regulator on a heat sink, since it will get hot in operation. One source for voltage regulators, heat sinks, and any other electronic components, is www.allelectronics.com Use the "Search line at the top to pull up "voltage regulators" and scroll down to find a 9v regulator.

Good luck;

Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos:

 

[jimben]

You can add a resistor in series with the power pack to train. Almost every electrical device on the planet has voltage and current specs, but not model trains. They only specify voltage. I did see a Youtube video of a Z train current and it showed 125 milliamp draw with LED cab light. So, I cannot exactly calculate the resistor size, but here is 100 milliamp resistor size. LED light likely draws 20-25 milliamp, so 100 milliamp for train is accurate in this case.

Lets assume the Z train draws 100 milliamps of current at 10 volts. Motor is 100 ohms. Use a 20 ohm series resistor in line with the 12 volt output power pack voltage out terminal and the train (in-line is same as in series). If the train is too fast at slowest setting, add a 100 ohm resistor across the power pack output terminals with the 20 ohm resistor in series on the power pack output, A 5 watt rated resistor works well and available from a business called Mouser or on ebay

Note- if the train draws 50 milliamps, use a 40 ohm resistor. If train draws 200 milliamps use a 10 ohm. resistor. If you want 8 volt limit vs 10 volts, increase the resistance around 50% higher, but Z gauge trains built since year 2000 are 10 volt.

 

[biglionelguy]

Don’t turn it up past about 2/3 of full throttle. The Microtrains Z scale controller is just an MRC 1300 with a screw it it to stop the dial from turning all the way up