Hi, does anyone know of any good cables to use with the "Trainpower 6200" The one I have keeps shorting out and powering down. It may be because I'm using original LGB cables from their starter sets but I'm not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, I use a MRC Train Power 6200 for testing and tune up of my locos. I’m curious; does this condition happen after the loco is running? What loco are you running, how many cars and grade? Also is the power supply in the sun? Are you running accessories of the accessory terminals? The 6200 has a thermal overload any of these can cause it to shut down. It will reset automatically after a few minutes.
Does the condition happen right at power up? Disconnect everything from the 6200 turn it on and turn the power until the amber light comes on, about 50 or 60. If ok turn the 6200 off and add track wires to the 6200 only and turn on 6200. Use the same procedure, hook up track, then add loco, etc. Hopefully this will isolate the problem.
Good luck, Rob
Hi, thanks for responding, really appreciate it. The problem usually happens when I put a big loco on the track like the "Amtrak Genesis" the transformer just short circuits and turns off all power. The highest grade isn't above 2.5%. I do use the transformer outside but I keep it in the shade.
Thanks again
It sounds likes you'll need a larger power supply.
For power cables I use low voltage landscape light wire. You'll find it landscape lights in the home store. For a short run to a small loop with only one loco at a time, 16 gauge will be sufficient. I crimp and solder on ring terminals (in the electric aisle) -
onto the ends and then hook them up to a rail clamp (like split jaws). With brass track you can directly solder the wire to the rail or a rail joiner ( clean it up well and using a big soldering iron (100 watt) will help).
-Brian
Railroader21, when I first got into this hobby, the power supply that came with the starter set could handle the Stainz engine (0-4-0) and a 2-6-0 that was acquired later. There was no trouble if I ran them slowly, but when I sped them up the power supply would shut down so I knew more power was necessary.
An MRC 6200 easily ran both engines and never shut down. But when I acquired a Hartland 4-4-0, a shut down would occur after a rather long operating period. So again, more power was needed.
None of these engines are power hogs as some diesels are. And I only run indoors at Christmas time, with several loops, so other 6200s came on line and, for my purposes, do just fine, I have had no trouble with the LGB wires.
Those that run outside, year around, need much more power than I do.
You should plan ahead as to what type of railroading you want to have and buy accordingly. Browse the forums here and buy wisely.
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