The Scaled Tin Rail, LLC.

1 for $86
2 for $172, less 5% = $163, $81,50 ea, save $9.
4 for $344, less 10% = $309, $77.25 ea, save $34.
8 for $688, less 15% = $584, $73 ea, save $103.
20 for $1720, less 20% = $1376, $68.80 ea, save $344

Buying or Upgrading a sound system? Get up to 3 PowerGuards for $79 ea. purchased at the same time. A savings of $7, $14 or $21.

1 for $79
2 for $158
3 for $237

Your one-time payment Life Insurance for ALL brands of your loco's electronics.

Why do I need PowerGuard now?

      When QSI started making electronics for 3-Rail engines in 1989, Lionel transformers like the ZW were the most powerful available. Our 3-Rail electronics were designed to work with, and were tested with, these transformers.

      In 1995, many new transformers started rolling out. Lionel®, MRC®, Right of Way®, and MTH® all introduced new transformers and controllers. These modern transformers are powerful, easy to use and include many new, exciting ways to run your trains. However, some of these transformers produce continuous voltage over 35 volts, which shortens the life of 3-Rail electronics considerably. Some transformers produce powerful killer voltage spikes, burning out electronic components quickly. Some produce both over voltages and killer spikes. Other transformers produce distorted waveforms or weak horn/bell remote control signals. Some do not shut off completely when the throttle is down.

      These problems can affect how engines respond to commands, and some problems will damage 3-Rail electronics.

What are killer spikes and why do they happen?

      A killer spike is any transformer voltage spike that exceeds the 3-Rail electronic component's voltage limits.

      Spikes occur when the current flow from the transformer is interrupted. Derailments, shorts from passing over switches, bumps that cause the engine's wheels or roller to loose contact with the rails, and hitting the direction button quickly can all cause spikes. When the current is interrupted, the transformer voltage immediately goes up, trying to force the current to continue. That's what's going on when you see sparks from the wheels or rollers.

      Spikes are common, and so long as the spikes stay under 35 volts, no damage to 3-Rail electronics will happen. But spikes from transformers can go much higher than 35 volts, depending on the amount of current being interrupted, how much load is on the track from lighted cars or accessories, and the type of transformer. Derailments that don't stop the train can cause very large spikes because as the derailed truck is dragged along, the transformer rapidly produces a series of spikes that sometimes go as high as 80 volts. Killer spikes will damage 3-Rail electronics if they're not stopped.

So what exactly does PowerGuard do?

      Special circuitry in PowerGuard watches for a quick escalation in voltage, and suppresses the voltage before a killer spike can develop. Any spike or voltage over 35 volts is held to a safe level. Wise people protect their home computers from damaging voltage coming through a wall socket with a surge suppressor. In a similar way, wise model railroaders add PowerGuard to protect expensive 3-Rail electronic computers from damaging transformer voltage.

Does that mean I can add a regular surge suppressor to my transformer and protect my engines?

      It's always a good idea to add a surge suppressor to protect your transformer. But surge suppressors can only protect the transformer from high voltages coming through the wall socket. Regular surge suppressors do not detect and suppress the voltage the transformer sends to the layout.

How can I tell if PowerGuard is working?

      The red light on PowerGuard flashes every time the start of a voltage jump is detected. These voltage jumps could become killer spikes, damaging the engine's electronics. The red flash does not mean your transformer needs repair, just that a quick increase in voltage was detected and held to a safe level.

      Moving the throttle arm up quickly can increase the voltage quickly enough make the red light flash.

      If you use SideKick II, you will notice the red light flashing two or three times when you press the Select/Boost button. Again, PowerGuard is reacting to a quick increase in voltage when that button is pushed. SideKick II is not creating or sending killer spikes itself.

Will I notice any change in how my engine behaves when I use PowerGuard?

      No. PowerGuard uses very little power. Using PowerGuard will not change the speed, dim the lights, or affect the sounds on your engines.

What else does PowerGuard do?

      Along with suppressing damaging transformer voltages, PowerGuard is a visual voltmeter, showing the voltage or signal strength your transformer is delivering. Two green lights brighten and dim as you use the throttle arm, showing total track voltage. When you press the horn or bell button, one light brightens and the other dims. You can quickly tell if the transformer is working properly, and if the horn or bell buttons are sending strong, clear signals.

      Those two green lights are especially helpful if you are programming engines with QSI systems using Lionel's Cab-1 walk around throttle. You need to know the track voltage to program QSI systems. Since the Cab-1 red throttle knob has no stop, you can't tell what voltage it's serving up. PowerGuard's two green lights brighten when Cab-1 is sending high voltage, so you can program your engines easily.           

What does the switch on PowerGuard do?

      The switch helps solve incompatibility problems between Lionel's Cab-1/PowerMaster™ and MTH ProtoSound® engines. To solve software incompatibility, first convert your ProtoSound engine to QS-2+ (available from QSI). If the ProtoSound horn goes off randomly when you're running your train, you still have hardware incompatibility problems. Flip the switch on PowerGuard to " PowerMaster" and the problem is solved.

      With all other transformers, leave the switch in the "ZW" position.

Do I need to use PowerGuard with all my transformers?

      Yes. QSI connects PowerGuard to every transformer on our test layout, old and new.

      In the past 12 years, only five QSI systems had failed from excess voltage or spikes. We thought this was because older transformers did not produce the killer spikes capable of burning out 3-Rail electronics. Further testing shows all transformers, old and new, produce spikes. In fact, our ZW produced more spikes than the new MTH Z4000. However, the spikes from the older transformers usually do not last as long, and are not as powerful. This is because the old transformers send out less power. Because the spikes are less powerful, fewer QSI systems failed. Since the new transformers are more powerful, the spikes are more powerful, and 3-Rail electronics are more quickly damaged.

Do I need PowerGuard if I'm using 3-Rail electronics made by other manufacturers?

      All the 3-Rail electronics we know of use components and design techniques that depend on the track voltage not exceeding 35 volts. We've also had reports of problems with non-QSI products used with these transformers. So all 3-Rail electronics are at risk.

I've been using my new transformer for some time now, and the engines run fine. Do I still need PowerGuard?

      Sometimes damage from modern transformers takes a while to show up. QSI reverse units and sound systems are tough enough to take some spikes and overvoltages, but eventually component life span and effectiveness are affected. There is no way to tell if damage has been done until the unit misbehaves or fails.

Why not make QSI products tough enough to take the extra voltage from modern transformers?

      We can design a system to work with these new transformers, but that will not solve the problem. The real problem is that 3-Rail manufacturers have not agreed upon a common electrical standard. So, we can make a system that works with today's transformers, but what about tomorrow's?

      Second, there are over 500,000 QSI reverse units and sound systems out there. A new design won't help those people.

      Third, beefier electronics cost more and take more space.

      PowerGuard is a solution that works for everyone.

How can I get more information on PowerGuard?

      QSI tested PowerGuard with several transformers and wrote a technical report on our findings. The QSI Technical Report on PowerGuard is available from QSI for $15.

      An abbreviated six-page version of the same report is on our web site at www.qsindustries.com.

      The testing was done by two electrical engineers with over 50 combined years of experience. The full report is 64 pages, and includes 58 photos of oscilloscope waveforms. Please call the number below if you would like to order a copy.

QSIndustries, Inc.

3800 SW Cedar Hills Blvd. Suite #224 Beaverton, OR 97005

Phone: (503) 350-0595 FAX: (503) 626-9995

http://www.qsindustries.com

© QSIndustries, Inc. 1998. Lionel, PowerMaster, & Cab-1 are trademarks of Lionel, LLC. PowerGuard, QS-2+, & PowerTrak are trademarks of QSI, Inc. MTH and ProtoSounds are registered trademarks of Mike's Train House, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.                            Revised 1/6/99 LIS 173

How to Install and Operate PowerGuard™ on 3 Rail Layouts
What PowerGuard Does
•    Protects on-board sound and train control systems from damage caused by transformers sending excessive electrical noise, over-voltage or voltage spikes to the track
•    Shows track voltage and relative strength of the horn and bell signals
•    Helps you trace transformer or on-board system problems
•    Solves hardware compatibility problems between Lionel's Cab-1 walk-around throttle and MTH® or Weaver® ProtoSound® systems converted to QS-2+


How To Connect PowerGuard
1.    How to Connect PowerGuard to the Transformer:
For maximum protection, connect PowerGuard directly to your transformer outputs.
If you want to use several PowerGuards to visually monitor your layout, use track clips to attach each PowerGuard to the different track sections.
PowerGuard can be positioned upright or on its side for easy viewing from a distance.

•    Connect the orange wire to the center rail  
•    Connect the brown wire to the outside rail
Connecting QSI PowerGuard to your Transformer
Figure 1
 
2.    How to Connect PowerGuard to Lionel® PowerMaster™:
Connect one PowerGuard to each Lionel PowerMaster you use.

Connecting QSI PowerGuard to your Lionel PowerMaster
Figure 2
How to Use PowerGuard

1. How to Tell if PowerGuard is Protecting On-Board Electronics
    The "Spike" light flashes each time PowerGuard detects a quick increase in voltage and holds the voltage to a safe level. Even when you don't see the Spike light flash, PowerGuard is still protecting the engine's electronics.
    Any quick voltage change from the throttle can cause the light to flash. The Spike light flashes when you first apply transformer voltage, telling you PowerGuard is working.
    A flash does not mean your transformer is defective. It does tell you a quick voltage increase was detected and controlled.
    The voltage from some transformers is too high for safe operation. If the Spike light stays on continuously, turn down your transformer voltage until the Spike light goes out. Operating your engine with the spike light continuously on could damage the electronics in your engine.

2. How to Visually Read Horn and Bell Signal Strength, and Track Voltage
    "Horn" monitors positive voltage. "Bell" monitors negative voltage. Press the horn button and the Horn light brightens. Press the bell button and the Bell light brightens.
    The combined brightness of the bulbs equals the total Track Voltage.

What the PowerGuard Horn and Bell Lights Mean:

IF:    Then:
The Horn light is much brighter than the Bell light when the horn button is pressed     the horn signal is strong

The Bell light is much brighter than the Horn light when the bell button is pressed    the bell signal is strong

Both lights stay almost the same brightness when the horn or bell button is pressed    the horn or bell signal is weak

One light is on and the other light is off    The horn or bell signal strength is very strong, but your engine will slow down when either button is pressed
Both lights brighten and dim with as the throttle is moved up and down    You are watching the transformer voltage change from high (bright lights) to low (dim lights)
The Bell light brightens when the horn button is pressed or vice versa    PowerGuard was not wired correctly. Swap the two wires
The transformer is running normally, but the PowerGuard lights do not come on    1.    check to be sure the wires are connected
2.    PowerGuard's thermal fuse has blown, and PowerGuard is no longer protecting your engine. See page 4 to order a new fuse
 
How PowerGuard Works as a Visual Volt Meter:
    When normal AC toy train transformers (like a ZW, PowerMaster, etc.) are connected to the track, both lights on PowerGuard are equally bright and vary together in intensity as the throttle moves up and down. The lights are equally bright because AC voltage contains an equal amount of positive and negative voltage.
    Three-rail horns and bells are designed to turn on (or off) when a positive or negative DC voltage is added to the AC track voltage. The older post-war Lionel mechanical horn relays would blow the horn with either a positive or negative signal. Modern electronic sound systems (like QSI's Sound Systems or Lionel RailSounds™) blow the horn only when a positive DC horn signal is applied, and ring the bell only when a negative DC signal is applied. So when the horn button is pressed, DC positive voltage is added to the AC voltage, more positive voltage than negative voltage is applied to the track and the positive light will appear brighter than the negative light. If the bell button is pressed, the opposite will happen; the negative light will be brighter than the positive light.

4.  How To Solve Compatibility Problems Between Lionel Cab-1/PowerMaster and MTH ProtoSound
First, solve software incompatibility by converting ProtoSound to QS-2+. Second, add PowerGuard to fix hardware incompatibility problems. If the ProtoSound™ horn goes off randomly when operating your train with a Cab-1™ walk-around throttle, move the switch on PowerGuard from ZW to "PowerMaster." If you are not having problems with your ProtoSound horn, leave the switch in the "ZW" position.
With the switch in the "PowerMaster" position, you may notice PowerGuard becomes warm; this is normal.

5. How To Run QSI On-Board Sound and Train Control Systems and Lionel's Cab-1/PowerMaster                    Using PowerGuard
    You need to know if track voltage is high or low to program and run QSI systems. Because the Cab-1 knob spins around, it's difficult to know what voltage is being sent to the track when the engine is in RESET or neutral. Add PowerGuard to PowerMaster and the brightness of the lights shows if high or low voltage is being sent.
PowerGuard Performance with Different Transformers
    The intensity of the lights on PowerGuard varies depending on the transformer or sound system you are using. What follows is a description of how PowerGuard lights typically respond with various transformers. Transformers that do not behave as described may need to be serviced.

1. Lionel Standard AC transformers: including ZW, KW, TW, 1033, and all other post-war variable voltage transformers with a horn button.
    Pressing the horn button applies a brief, strong DC signal followed by a lower sustaining DC signal. Because of this two-part DC horn signal, when the horn button on the transformer is pressed in partway, you will notice the Horn light gets brighter and the Bell light goes off. If you press the horn button in all the way, both lights come on and the Horn light is a little brighter.
    Note: If both lights go off at the same time when you press the horn button, your transformer is in need of repair.

2. QSI SideKick II™:
    SideKick II produces strong, clean horn and bell DC signals. Because of the strong signals, the difference in brightness between the two PowerGuard lights is much greater compared to lights on a PowerGuard connected directly to a ZW.
    When SideKick II is connected to a standard Lionel transformer (like a ZW), and the SideKick II horn button is pressed, the Horn light on PowerGuard stays on, the Bell light goes off briefly, and then comes on dimly.
    If the switch on SideKick II is in the "electronic" position and the horn button is pressed, the Horn light stays on and the Bell light goes out completely. Pressing the bell button does the opposite. These strong signals are ideal for operating QSI RESET Features. However, only half the power is being sent to the track, so when the SideKick II horn button is pressed to blow the horn, the train slows down. Use the transformer buttons to blow the horn or ring the bell to avoid slowing the engine when SideKick II is in the "electronic" position.

3. Lionel Cab-1 Walk-Around Throttle and PowerMaster™:
    One light brightens and the other dims by the same amount when the Horn or Bell button is pressed. The horn and bell signals are stronger at mid- and low-throttle settings.
    The horn signal reacts as fast as you can press the horn button, but the Cab-1 bell signal has a built in delay that keeps the signal on for a specified time regardless of how fast the bell button is pressed and released.
    The Cab-1 direction button also has a built-in delay. Both PowerGuard lights will go off for a fixed amount of time no matter how quickly the button is pressed. Because of this delay, using a Cab-1 direction button with the throttle set at maximum voltage to go through QS-2+ RESET Features is slow compared to using a ZW and SideKick II. (The Cab-1 direction button will not advance through the RESET Features with QS-1 or QS-2, only with QS-2+.)
   
    Using the Red Throttle Knob to Move Through RESET Features: The Lionel Cab-1 red throttle knob has no stop or voltage marks. Because of this you cannot tell how much power is being applied to the track. Since QS-2 and QS-2+ use voltage changes to select and operate RESET Features, you need to know how much power is being applied. You can use the brightness of the PowerGuard bulbs to estimate the throttle settings. Both lights will brighten and dim as you go through RESET Features with Cab-1.

    Using Cab-1/PowerMaster with ProtoSound Engines Converted to QS-2+: If you are still having compatibility problems after converting your ProtoSound engine (the engine won't run, the horn blows unexpectedly, or the horn or bell buttons don't respond to commands), move the switch on PowerGuard to "PowerMaster." PowerGuard adds a resistive load to the track to correct distorted track voltage from Cab-1.
    Sometimes the two lights on PowerGuard add just enough load to fix any problems. If there are no problems leave the PowerGuard switch in the "ZW" position. Both PowerMaster and PowerGuard run cooler with the switch in the "ZW" position.


4. Dallee™:
    One light brightens and the other dims by the same amount when the Horn or Bell button is pressed.
    The lights respond more slowly with the throttle or direction button compared to their fast response with a ZW. The Dallee transformer has built-in momentum control to slow down and speed up the engine. Even when the momentum control is turned down to zero, response time to the throttle or direction control button is sluggish. Because of this built-in delay, moving through QSI RESET Features is slower with this transformer. 

5. All Trol™:
    One light brightens and the other dims by the same amount when the Horn or Bell button is pressed. Like PowerMaster, the horn and bell signal strength is better at low and mid-throttle settings. Like Lionel's standard transformers and SideKick II, this transformer produces a stronger DC signal followed by a weaker signal when the horn or bell button is held down. The amount of time the strong signal is present is very short and can be seen only as a slight flicker in one of the lights.

6. MRC™ Tech II™:
    This power pack does not have a bell button but has a very solid horn button. When you press the horn button, the Bell light goes out completely and the Horn light gets twice as bright. The engine does not slow down when the horn button is pressed since the total power to the track remains the same.

7. MRC™ Dual Power 027™:
    One light brightens and the other dims by the same amount when the Horn or Bell button is pressed.

8. RS-1™:
    This is Lionel’s earlier electronic transformer.
    The RS-1 bell and horn signal strength is constant at lower and mid-throttle settings but not at high throttle settings. Press the horn button at a low throttle, and you will see the Horn light gets slightly brighter while the Bell light gets dimmer. Total power stays about the same. However when you press the horn button at higher throttle settings, you will not see any change in the Horn light, but the Bell light will get dimmer. This means the power to the track has been reduced, so the engine slows down slightly.

9. MTH Z750™ and Z4000™:
    One light brightens and the other dims by the same amount when the Horn or Bell button is pressed.
    When the Z4000 throttle handle is turned down all the way, the transformer is not completely turned off. The transformer is still sending 1.9 to 2.5 volts to the track. This voltage can drain on-board batteries. PowerGuard solves the problem by adding enough load to the track to bring the voltage down to about .6 volts. This tiny voltage will not affect the batteries.


PowerGuard Replacement Parts:
1. Bulbs: order from QSI, part #450-0008-00
2. Fuse: PowerGuard is protected from overheating by a thermal fuse. Under normal use, this fuse will not blow. If PowerGuard is subjected to continuous, long-term over-voltage, it may eventually overheat and the fuse will blow. Order replacement fuses from QSI, part #410-0007-00

© August 1998 QSIndustries, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in USA. Information in this publication supersedes that in all previous published material. The contents and the product it describes are subject to change without notice. QSI, QS-2, QS-2+, PowerGuard, and SideKick, are trademarks of QSIndustries, Inc. Lionel, Rail Sounds, Cab-1, PowerMaster, ZW and RS-1 are trademarks of Lionel LLC; ProtoSound, Z750 and Z4000 are trademarks of Mike's Train House, Inc. All other registered and trademarked names are the property of their respective holders. QSI makes no representations or warranties with respect to this information. In no event shall QSIndustries be liable for any damages, direct or incidental, arising out of or related to the use of this publication.                                                    LIS 165
 

Updated 6 February 2012