Can you add a second transformer to Carrera Digital 132?
Posted by John on November 10, 2008
Reader Bobby G asks:
i have about 70′ of evolution track converted to digital and there is a voltage drop around the middle section. can a second transfomer be added?
Sorry Bobby, I tried to reply to your email but I think I have the wrong address.
The short answer is no, you definitely can’t just add a second transformer. Carrera makes power extension cables under part numbers 20584 (5m) and 20585 (10m).
Here’s the word direct from the US Carrera website FAQ:
Question:
Which circuit length does require any additional supply with Digital 132?
Answer:
Tracks of an entire length of 12 metres and more should be equipped with an additional power supply. Since 2006 the generation of modified U-profile connections between the individual track parts has drastically minimised the power loss. You will get the additional supply cables required from your retailer under item number 20584 (cable length 5m) and item number 20585 (cable length 10m). Under no circumstances you shall connect any further Black Boxes and/or transformers (danger of causing a short circuit!).
You can fabricate power taps for your track fairly easily, they simply are small brass clips forced under the rails. For those of us with less fabrication skills, power tap track sections are available from several retailers, fabricated by Professor Motor.
Look for part number PMTR1085 at the http://www.professormotor.com website.
100ft carrera digital to run 8 cars can i add amprage NOTvolts do you know what the amprage resesistance is i have 15 volt regulated adjustable amps 0-10 transformer
Several people have enhanced the power supply on their digital Carrera tracks, and some have had success, while some others have had their black boxes burn up in smoke.
The internal workings of the black box were designed to operate within a certain power range, and if you exceed that, you do so at your own risk. Problems do not occur under normal racing conditions, but when the rails are shorted during a de-slot or other sort of incident, the enhanced power flows could easily destroy the chips and transistors inside the black box.
If you are using a different power supply and want to avoid burning up your set, you need to incorporate a crowbar circuit between the supply and the track. Basically it works by monitoring the current passing through and cuts the supply to the load if a preset current is exceeded. Usually you have to cycle the power supply to restore normal operation. I could look into this if you like.
Can you add a second transformer to Carrera Digital 132 The Carrera Slot Car Blog best post. I has been collection in my blog. 2010/03/03
Can you add a second transformer to Carrera Digital 132 The Carrera Slot Car Blog best post. I has been collection in my blog. 2010/07/07
Can you add a second transformer to Carrera Digital 132 The Carrera Slot Car Blog best post. I has been collection in my blog. 2010/07/07
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