Old Z gauge power unit options

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Old Z gauge power unit options - What battery operated power block options are usable for 1980s Z gauge

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Fisionchips		#1 Posted : 01 November 2018 10:06:32(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 31/10/2018(UTC) Posts: 3 Location: Norwich		I am setting up and reviving my 1980s z gauge rail system as a display in a glass topped coffee table (something I have wanted to do for 30 odd years). I would like to avoid having a cable across the floor to the table and was wondering if there is a battery operated unit I could use to power the trains and points etc ? Sorry if this is a rookie question but I know there will be people on this forum who can answer this off the top of their head. I am UK based.


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H0		#2 Posted : 01 November 2018 10:13:26(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,476 Location: DE-NW		Hi! Welcome to the forum! Some starter sets have a "controller" that uses a 9 V battery. It is for "digital" operation, supports "on" and "off" only and speed cannot be adjusted. So you could start with a 9 V battery and a switch. The current controllers use an external DC power supply. Instead of the power supply you can connect a battery with a suitable voltage. Such a solution would not be suitable for children. Then you will be able to adjust the speed. And you can connect turnouts to the controller, too.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS

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Fisionchips		#3 Posted : 01 November 2018 10:46:38(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 31/10/2018(UTC) Posts: 3 Location: Norwich		Thanks H0... I have attached photos of the power block I currently have which says 10v on it? This is not going to be used by children... OMDB... so battery option connected to a controller sounds good. Can you recommend a controller?


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H0		#4 Posted : 01 November 2018 11:24:59(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,476 Location: DE-NW		Märklin 67013: https://www.maerklin.de/..._torrpdb_pi1%5Blang%5D=2 The power supply that comes with it has 12 V and 12 VA. Similar devices with a green speed knob are available from Trix. You can get them from starter sets for much better prices. I don't know if there are differences internally. For Trix H0 the thing uses a power supply with 18 V. I assume there are differences inside and then you'd be on the safe side with the #67013. The Trix device is specified for up to 24 V DC input voltage. Maybe an owner of the 67013 can check the specifications on the bottom of the device. Maybe it'll work with batteries for 14.4 V which would give a larger selection. Otherwise buy the 67013 first, then check the specifications before deciding which battery you will use.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS

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Carim		#5 Posted : 01 November 2018 15:51:48(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 15/09/2014(UTC) Posts: 685 Location: London		Rokuhan make a controller (for Z scale) that can be powered by batteries. Carim p.s. I think that you should allow children to play (under supervision) with your trains - they are the future for our hobby.

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cookee_nz		#6 Posted : 01 November 2018 18:57:27(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 31/12/2010(UTC) Posts: 4,014 Location: Paremata, Wellington		Originally Posted by: Carim Rokuhan make a controller (for Z scale) that can be powered by batteries. Carim p.s. I think that you should allow children to play (under supervision) with your trains - they are the future for our hobby. Märklin do (did) make a battery controller that you should be able to easily find on eBay etc... https://www.maerklin.de/...s/details/article/98077/ You can also use 9v rechargeable batteries although depending on version the actual output voltage may be as low as 7v. https://michaelbluejay.com/batteries/9v.html And if you want to get really innovative there's also Solar as a recharging option or possibly even to power the layout if you get cells with sufficient capacity. Here's a novel DIY charger made from cheap solar garden lights.... https://www.instructable...V-Solar-Battery-Charger/ A few google searches will find all manner of ideas limited only by your imagination. Enjoy
		Cookee Wellington
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Fisionchips		#7 Posted : 02 November 2018 09:34:07(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 31/10/2018(UTC) Posts: 3 Location: Norwich		Thanks Cookie_nz ... I like the idea of the solar recharged option... I'm not sure how effective that will be under glass though. As you say.. lots of research to be done. Carim: I totally agree... making this coffee table "play friendly" is one of my key aims...

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