Lenz LZV100 power input

T

Tim Brien

Registered
The Lenz central station, LZV100 has an 18volt AC maximum input and the LV102 power booster has a 19volt AC maximum input. I believe that an 18 volt AC input equates to around 24 volt DC to rails minus approximately 2 volts for internal differences. Lenz is particular that to maximise current carrying capability and minimise overheat shutdown (keeping temperature at minimum), the input power should match the output power.

With this in mind, should the 18 volt AC input be taken as the absolute maximum power to the central station? I have a 20 volt AC power supply at 6 amps, or a 18 volt AC input at maximum 1.6 amp.
 
Might be worth actually measuring the voltage from your 20 V AC 6 Amp PSU to see if it does actually give 20 V when not under load?
 
Hi Tim

I think that you should not exceed the stated maximum voltage of the central station. But as suggested above your 20v AC supply might not actually be 20v.

I would recommend that you download the manual for the LZV100 from both the Lenz USA and Lenz Worldwide websites. The documents are different and both provide additional information about the power supply.

The output voltage to the track must be set by CV between 11 and 22v. The input can either be AC or regulated DC. For AC the maximum is 18v or 19v depending upon which manual you read. For DC 27v. With a DC supply the track voltage would ideally be set to approximately 3v below the supply. With an AC supply is would be the same or very slightly above the supply.

Both your central station and power booster would need supplies of ideally 6A. I don't think your 18v AC 1.6A supply will be enough, except perhaps for running one small loco, but since you have a power booster too I guess you intend to run much more than that!

Cheers

I use a Maplin 20v 5A DC bench top power supply which actually delivers 20.9v and have the output voltage selected at 18v.
 
The LGB #55010 outputs 20.1 volts AC with no load. I have read both downloads from the Lenz site and Lenz USA. I intend using the 6 amp LGB power supply with my recently purchased Piko dcc system for outdoor usage. The Lenz was to be more a test system to check operation after setting up a decoder, thus the minimal amperage output 18 volt AC power supply on hand (actually 17.4 with no load). My decision to purchase the Lenz will be based on the need, if required, to purchase an additional power supply to operate it. The Lenz also, may have come in handy for operating a smaller scale/gauge in the future.

My mention of the power booster was aimed at the 19 volt AC max input. As stated in my original posting, I wonder if the max allowable input is based on the necessary power reduction (required track voltage) across the internal circuitry with resultant heat buildup. I am wondering how 19 volts would be acceptable and yet 20 volts AC not so.
 
Understood Tim, I'd only be guessing at why 18/19v AC is the stated maximum, so I'll leave that to others who may know more.

Cheers
 
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