Power Source..Repair or Replace?

[PVT Kanaka]

Aloha,

I have a pair of 1980-s vintage MRC transformer / throttles.  After nearly three decades in storage, they are now regularly powering the Triple O.  One, however, has recently decided to only put out 8 volts, not the rated 16 volts.  Is this something I can fix?  Or is it time to look for something new?

If it is time for something new, how seriously should I consider DCC -capable control equipment?  All of my locomotives date from the 1980-s, and I have no intention of converting them to DCC, as I prefer to prioritize funds and time for getting the line up and running and looking nice.  Still, I note that there are DCC capable locomotives out there at the low end of the price spectrum so I was wondering if this is a capability worth buying for future needs (wants?).  Is the life expectancy of the gear and technology such that both will be functional and supported in five years when I can reasonably consider a shift towards DCC?

There are no hobby shops that deal with model railoads, and no known hobbyists out here, so I appreciate the chance to vicariously comparison shop!

 

Aloha,

Eric

[ttrigg]

Eric

As far as repairs go, there is not much that the average hobyist can do for power supplies. Carefully open it up and examine for loose screws, dirty contacts, and broken (rusted through) wires. My personal philosophy is, "I don't want to be electrocuted by a home repair." 

I have long been an advocate of over buying power supplies. Buy bigger than you need to allow for future expansion. As you are in a "defined space" with not much room for easy expansion, I would suggest a new power supply that will allow for analog as well as expansion to DCC. My last three purchases (K-27, 3 truck Shay, and an interurban) have been DCC capable, and run just fine analog. Sure, I'm missing out on a couple of advantages in the DCC mode, but I still enjoy them in analog mode.

I'll let the DCC guys explain what will be needed for you to make the jump to DCC. I suggest you get a new power supply that will allow for that future expansion, but still allow you to run analog for now.

[Curmudgeon]

PVT Kanaka

Aloha,

I have a pair of 1980-s vintage MRC transformer / throttles.  After nearly three decades in storage, they are now regularly powering the Triple O.  One, however, has recently decided to only put out 8 volts, not the rated 16 volts.  Is this something I can fix?  Or is it time to look for something new?

If it is time for something new, how seriously should I consider DCC -capable control equipment?  All of my locomotives date from the 1980-s, and I have no intention of converting them to DCC, as I prefer to prioritize funds and time for getting the line up and running and looking nice.  Still, I note that there are DCC capable locomotives out there at the low end of the price spectrum so I was wondering if this is a capability worth buying for future needs (wants?).  Is the life expectancy of the gear and technology such that both will be functional and supported in five years when I can reasonably consider a shift towards DCC?

There are no hobby shops that deal with model railoads, and no known hobbyists out here, so I appreciate the chance to vicariously comparison shop!

 

Aloha,

Eric

 

Usually it's the full wave bridge rectumfrier. Half output, probably lost half the bridge.

You can test with your oscilloscope, look for excessive ripple.

I have repaired many...usually given to me dead or half power.

Drill the rivets, measure the bridge (requires removing some connections) with an ohm eater.(SP)

Make drawings as you disconnect stuff.

But, if you've never done that before.....don't.

[Narrowgauge]

Eric,

I agree with TOC's diagnosis, however, you might look around for an amature radio club. Those folks are usually pretty electronics savy and are a friendly lot. You may be able to 'work a deal' to get one of them to fix it.

Bob C

[PVT Kanaka]

Thanks, everyone.  This does not sound like a project for my first ever electric repair!  At half voltage, it can power a small train on my inner loop at slow speeds.  In the meantime, I can shop around a bit for its replacement or someone with the tools and know-how.

 

-Eric

[PVT Kanaka]

Folks,

Thanks agains for all the input.  Having shopped around a bit on line, I think the eventual replacement will have to remain analog.  Unless I am mistaken, DCC seems a bit complicated for the average 5 year old!

 

- Eric