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Question on DCC max output

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  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 65 posts
Question on DCC max output
Posted by GP025 on Monday, August 5, 2013 8:14 PM

 

  Hello,

  Just recently purchased an old layout sitting around for 10+years that has an old MRC 2000 dcc system. I have noticed today that the output fluctuates between 5v an 22.3v's. When I have checked this before it has always been around 12.8v's. Is this normal or has the system started to go south? (it is set on HO/N scale).

  It is being driven by the AC side of a standard power pack.

 

 Thanks.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, August 5, 2013 11:06 PM

 Make sure Throttle 1, Set 1, Group A is not being adjusted and is set to stop - this one uses zero stretching to run a non-decoder DC loco, and as such alters the waveform of the DCC signal and will appear as a voltage change to s standard meter.

              --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 7:24 AM

Also check your power distribution.  If you're depending on rail joiners, that could cause problems with voltage fluctuation around the layout.  A good bus-and-feeder distrubution system is necessary.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 65 posts
Posted by GP025 on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 3:11 PM

 

Randy,

  Thanks, actually the loco is one being run on throttle #1, set 1, group A. I will check this out for sure as I never noticed it with any of the other loco's.

Kevin

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 6:48 PM

I had an MRC 2000 some years ago. "The DCC voltage at the controller output was about 13 VAC."

The DC voltage going to the track depended on the setting of throttle #1.

Is your meter reliable? Is the AC voltage from the power pack constant?

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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