Ok please forgive my double posts earlier. This site is very slow and I just assumed that my post didn't register then boom 2 of them! Now to the meat of the issue. Regarding the MRC Dual Power O27 with hand held controllers. I have read that it is not compatible with MTH proto sound 2 engines. I presently have an MTH subway set, and I have operated it regularly in the past with this power source. I have not had any issues with it. Has anyone had negative experiences with that combo? I plan on purchasing another. I like these units because they power my post war and newer conventional trains quite nicely. And again the MTH PS2 also, I can access station announcements I get crew chatter as well as horn and bell. I also like the fact that it has a cooling fan. and is compact enough that I can tuck it under the table and just have the hand held controllers velcroed to the panel, it also has accesory feed terminals which neither MTH Z-500 or Z-750 have. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
If it works, that's fine. That MRC unit has a "dirty" square sine wave because of the way it is modulated to regulate power to the track... but if no issues for you, carry on!
Rob
ALL 6 of my PS 1 and 2 locomotives lost their minds from using that type of power supply. No one knew back then (early 2000's) that they were not compatible. I sold 5 and the one I kept, the 5445 Dreyfus Hudson, I rewired to run using an AristoCraft DC power pack. The only other MTH locomotive I still have is an 0-8-0 switcher that predated PS1. The smoke unit burnt up and the electronic whistle quit years ago but the direction control and power conversion circuits still operate.
Same me, different spelling!
That's just it. I did not know that there was an issue when I first got the Dual power. The train operates and I can access horn, bell, station announcrments etc. I just recently emailed MRC and they said not to use the dual power with PS2. I don't know if I have a fluke or I am tempting fate with that particular train set. I have a post war ZW and according to MTH paperwork, the set is compatible with the ZW. I am on the fence about using it and I would need to protect the set with supplimental circuit breakers. But I do love those handles! I am bouncing from one extreme to the other. ARGH!
The GodfatherI would need to protect the set with supplimental circuit breakers.
Yes I have heard and will look into it. Any recommendations as to brand or type?
Thanks as always to everyone! You folks rock! :)
The GodfatherAny recommendations as to brand or type?
One thing I'd advise you to do to preserve the PS-2 electronics on your engines is replace the batteries with BCR's, or "Battery Component Replacements."
Not super-cheap but for the peace of mind well worth the money spent, I've installed them in all my PS-2 engines. If your local hobby shop doesn't stock them you can order them direct from the manufacturer.
https://www.jandwelectronics.com
Spot on! I did that some years ago. Definitely the way to go!
If you install a 75uf 50v or greater non-polarized capacitor across the transformer output it will work with MTH protosound components.
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