Power Max problem.

[Lionel 773 hudson]

  I have 2 Power Max transformers and they work fine with modern-era engines, but with post-war and pre-war engines the light in the upper right hand corner starts flashing and the loco's light will not even light up.  I know that this is a safety thing.  But why won't it move, dose the engines use that much voltage/amperage?  Thanks!

[lionelsoni]

Pre-modern locomotives tend to draw more current than modern ones; and many pre-war locomotives require more voltage.  Do your locomotives work with real (that is, not Power Max) transformers?

[ADCX Rob]

 The PowerMax(PowerPuff) is only good for 1.8 amps - That's it.  Trying to get more than that will "flash your light".

Rob

[Kooljock1]

Rob,

    Are they using the same core as that itty bitty Accessory Transformer that I use to run my blinking billboard?

Jon

[ADCX Rob]

Kooljock1

Rob,

    Are they using the same core as that itty bitty Accessory Transformer that I use to run my blinking billboard?

Jon

 

It's possible.

With a fan added and a minor circuit revision, the PowerMax becomes the PowerMax Plus and delivers 2.4 amps.  The fan may be just for the heat sink.  I've had many CW-80's apart, but never a  PowerMax or PowerMax Plus.  I would have to see them side-by-side.

The CW is assembled from about $6.00 worth of Chinese parts.

Rob