Using Capacitor discharge unit with ZTC 304 Decoder

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I am using the ZTC DCC system on my new N gauge layout. I used Peco points (switches) and point motors. I have wired my decoder (ZTC 304) using Gauge Master capacitor discharge unit as per the schematic in the ZTC manual. I am geting an output from the decoder but my Points will not operate for me. It is like there is not enough power to drive the solenoid. I have tested the solenoid using a 12 VAC powersupply and they work fine.

Has anyone come across this problem before? Am I doing something wrong or is there a problem with this setup?.

Shane

-- Shane O Neill (sog110@hotmail.com), May 23, 2004

Answers

I had te same problem.

So I cut my losses and bought the six way Lenz point decoders which allow AC to the point motors.

The ZTC304's I used to power a track mimic display. Setting the point decoder also sets the ZTC decoder as there is no feedback from the decoders two decoders can share the same address.

Might be an expensive way of doing things but works OK for me.

Lew

-- Graham Lewis (lew@cbcbengali.co.uk), July 13, 2004.


I have been operating a ZTC layout for seven years with 36 Peco electrofrog points all operated using the ZTC304 accessory modules with no problems other than an the occasional sticky point.With thirteen engines,360 feet of track,the ZTC DCC system works very well. When setting up the accessory modules did you check the operation of each output using a 9v lamp when the module was attached to the ZTC 511 master controller.This will indicate whether it has been set up correctly before connecting to the point. Hope this helps. Best Regards, Alan Roberts

-- ALAN ROBERTS (aroberts@vinclo.freeserve.co.uk), October 28, 2004.

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