Joined: 08/09/2003(UTC)
Posts: 134
Location: ,
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I have a question regarding Marklin's Boosters. I am using a 6021 controller. The power input comes from a 32 VA Marklin transformer, specifically the yellow fixed voltage and the brown ground terminals. I generally do not run more than 3 loks at one time. My analog turnouts and lighting power will come from a separate and independant source. The ground for turnouts and lights will be connected to the master ground bus.
Should I wish to run more loks does anyone see why I cannot hook up another 32 VA Marklin transformer with the first one in parallel and IN PHASE to make additional power available to the 6021?
What is a booster other than an auxilliary power source?
I don't want to miss something.
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 Joined: 12/01/2002(UTC) Posts: 2,578 Location: Sweden
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Hooking up two transformers in parallel should be avoided because of the risks with "back transforming" if the mains plug of one of them is disconnected.
Using one stronger transformer e.g. a 60055 will give you more power, but the 6021 will limit it to around 50 VA. With the modern locos you can run many of them with that setup. I have managed to run as many as 18 locos at the same time with a 6005 + 6021.
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 Joined: 12/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 2,448 Location: Wellington, New_Zealand
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Please do not do this.
Aside from the explicit warning on the tags around the power cord of Marklin transformers ....
1) The assumption that any 2 transformers 'out of the box' are in-phase is not a reliable one. You have to confirm by external means (e.g. osciliscope, lightbulb accross the yellows)
2) More importantly unless the characteristics are perfectly matched (which is unlikely due to differing internal resistances) they will fight each other.
Doing as you suggest may appear to work but it is under load that any wastage becomes apparant and thus defeat the purpose of trying to attain the power at the high end.
Technology does exist to monitor/manage and balance but you wont find it in the humble transformer without electronincs. |
Peter
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 Joined: 30/01/2006(UTC) Posts: 1,893 Location: Keene, NH
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Dick:
I agree with the above. The maximum output of the 6021 is ~50VA. I have had good luck with the NCE P515 power supply. It actually puts out 16VAC at <4A and has internal short circuit protection. It is only $35 from Walthers. This transformer would allow you to get the maximum output from your 6021 for a small investement.
r/mark |
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Joined: 08/09/2003(UTC)
Posts: 134
Location: ,
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Thank you all for your comments. I did not think about the possibility of "back transforming" under certain circumstances. It did not cross my mind. I had planned to polarize the plugs on the two transformers after checking and plug them into a separate power strip which would allow in phase switching at the same instant. Accidents do happen when one least expects it so it would have not been wise to make the problem possible.
It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful this forum is and how our members are so helpful. My thanks again. Dick
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