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150 Posts
Hi guys, just a quick question..... Can I use two transformers on the Carrera track instead of using just the one? Cheers.
Transformer on Carrera track..
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A good question and probably not a quick answer!
At first glance, it looks as though the Carrera power track section can take two separate power supplies. But it's twin socket inputs are actually intended to take two sets of leads from a SINGLE Carrera power supply. The Carrera PSU allegedly produces two independent outputs, one for each lane, but there remains some doubt about exactly how the Carrera PSU and corresponding track power section are actually wired up internally. I have read debate on this subject elsewhere but cannot recall what the definitive conclusions were.
I have no doubt that it IS possible to use more than one PSU, but it isn't set up that way by Carrera. Hopefully someone can step in and clarify this issue, because it is useful and interesting.
At first glance, it looks as though the Carrera power track section can take two separate power supplies. But it's twin socket inputs are actually intended to take two sets of leads from a SINGLE Carrera power supply. The Carrera PSU allegedly produces two independent outputs, one for each lane, but there remains some doubt about exactly how the Carrera PSU and corresponding track power section are actually wired up internally. I have read debate on this subject elsewhere but cannot recall what the definitive conclusions were.
I have no doubt that it IS possible to use more than one PSU, but it isn't set up that way by Carrera. Hopefully someone can step in and clarify this issue, because it is useful and interesting.
Joined
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2,855 Posts
Rather than adding a second transformer, you may want to consider investing in a good transformer with a high amperage output (at least 10 amps) to power both lanes. Also, because the Carrera pick-up rails are stainless steel, the connection between the track sections is critical.
But adding a second transformer is no problem. Here's a schematic diagram:-
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(1) - (Negative) Power for Lane B from transformer
(2) Black (Track) {Black Wire lead from controller} - Lane B
(3) Red (Brake) {Red Wire lead from controller} - Lane B
(4) White (Power) {White Wire lead from controller} - Lane B
(5) + (Positive) Power for Lane B from transformer
(6) - (Negative) Power for Lane A from transformer
(7) Black (Track) {Black Wire lead from controller} - Lane A
(8) Red (Brake) {Red Wire lead from controller} - Lane A
(9) White (Power) {White Wire lead from controller} - Lane A
(10) + (Positive) Power for Lane A from Transformer or Power Supply
Professor Motor makes a useful wiring loom for a single transformer:-
![]()
Kind regards
Russell
But adding a second transformer is no problem. Here's a schematic diagram:-
(1) - (Negative) Power for Lane B from transformer
(2) Black (Track) {Black Wire lead from controller} - Lane B
(3) Red (Brake) {Red Wire lead from controller} - Lane B
(4) White (Power) {White Wire lead from controller} - Lane B
(5) + (Positive) Power for Lane B from transformer
(6) - (Negative) Power for Lane A from transformer
(7) Black (Track) {Black Wire lead from controller} - Lane A
(8) Red (Brake) {Red Wire lead from controller} - Lane A
(9) White (Power) {White Wire lead from controller} - Lane A
(10) + (Positive) Power for Lane A from Transformer or Power Supply
Professor Motor makes a useful wiring loom for a single transformer:-
Kind regards
Russell
Joined
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90 Posts
I did the exact same thing as Russell did...Zurich power supply regulated and variable 0 - 15V, 25 amp with a 30 amp surge. Also don't forget to include power taps ever 10 to 12 feet. it makes the difference ESPECIALLY on large tracks where the power dips 1/2 way around. Installing the taps every 10 to 12 feet ensures adequate power at all times.
Try it, you'll like and you will find the power supply that came with the track will make a great paper weight!
You can get power supplies on ebay for less than $100 USD or try here...
Power supplies from Home Racing World
Try it, you'll like and you will find the power supply that came with the track will make a great paper weight!
You can get power supplies on ebay for less than $100 USD or try here...
Power supplies from Home Racing World
Sorry to bring this subject up again, but i have further questions.
I have just bought a Carrera evolution set and know of another.. So will there be an advantage in using the two power supplies at once?
Will the current available be increased?
Long term i will buy a proper power supply, but if i already have access then is it worth it
I have just bought a Carrera evolution set and know of another.. So will there be an advantage in using the two power supplies at once?
Will the current available be increased?
Long term i will buy a proper power supply, but if i already have access then is it worth it
I run 2 Scalextric plug-in transformers on my 2-lane track and it works well, even though I know a ‘proper’ power supply would be better.
The main advantage of using 2 separate transformers is that I don’t get the ‘power surge’ when one car deslots and diverts extra power to the other car, making it deslot, too.
Mike
Good question, unsure of answer however. The evo power supply that I have is a switch mode type and has two outputs, my best guess at this stage is that it’s the one main step down section with two independent regulators, one for each lane. But would need to either do some testing or pull it apart to know for sure. One thing to be aware of is that there’s at least two different versions, from memory, I think one is 1A per output and the other is 800mA per output. Voltage might be slightly different between them, I’d have to dig about for photos to confirm the actual spec.
The standard evo power supply should be ok for typical 1:32 rtr cars out of the box.
Edit: I re-read your question had a bit more of a think, my best guess now is that a second transformer if the evo type would ...probably... be better that the one... all depends on whether it’s one psu or two separate ones internally.
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