I would like some wisdom on the indications from my eMeter that this pwerpack has fizzled a gadget internally. Recent layout work resulted in railpower "disappearing first on Cab 1 then Cab 2 ....no smoke or acrid odour just zilch. Checking the connectors with the eMeter revealed 22 volts output on each side independently...its rated by manufacturer at 14v.... Wisdom to ask before I crack the case and look internally. This unit has been in/out of work for 30 years, maybe its just "done". Any thoughts appreciated: Its set up for dual main on a kato layout 8x10 running triple consists for a CPRail Laggan Division Package. Thx ahead!. Michael
Michael
Sounds as if the insulation on the transformer windings may have failed. Possibly 30 years was the tipping point.
Think it's out of warranty? It could have a lifetime guarantee!!!
WP Lives
Good chance yours has security screws.
A number of years ago I had to open mine up and required a bit to fit the security screws. I found one that fit my Xcelite screwdriver handle but that was before the Internet. The screw looks like a Torx with a pin sticking up in the center.
I have seen a discussion here before about opening an MRC box.
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.
Thankyou softail86mark... will get tools out. M
Thank you Rich, I have some of those from my techy work in autos. I'll hunt up the other discussions as well. Much appreciate your quick thoughts Michael
I would doubt that it is a security torx....they did not have them then. It's probably a cone head shape.
Did You try taking a voltage reading on the variable DC output? If There is none or it is erattic, it's more than likely the voltage regulator is shot. Not too hard to replace, but hard to find out the value. A lot of their components do not have any numbers on them or names. Forget about getting a schematic.
Good Luck!
Frank
MRC Tech II #2800 twin knob throttle, pre 1999 vintage with a 5 year warranty. The safety screws are Torx #10 with the safety pin in the middle.
I have 10.95vdc at full throttle cab#1 terminals and 12.47vdc at FT cab#2 terminals. 14.9vac at the accessories terminals.
One of my other MRC Tech II #2500 purchased (1-26-83) has Torx #10 screws without the safety pin, just a dark spot where the pin was.
I had thought that unit was older than that........
Take Care!
They made them a long time. I bought my Tech II somewhere around 1979 or 1980.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
NorthernBoy I would like some wisdom on the indications from my eMeter that this pwerpack has fizzled a gadget internally. Recent layout work resulted in railpower "disappearing first on Cab 1 then Cab 2 ....no smoke or acrid odour just zilch. Checking the connectors with the eMeter revealed 22 volts output on each side independently...its rated by manufacturer at 14v.... Wisdom to ask before I crack the case and look internally. This unit has been in/out of work for 30 years, maybe its just "done". Any thoughts appreciated: Its set up for dual main on a kato layout 8x10 running triple consists for a CPRail Laggan Division Package. Thx ahead!. Michael
Recent layout work. Now no power? Undo what track connections you made. The "MRC Power packs have many safety devices to avoid shorts and overloads." so the instructions say.
PC101 NorthernBoy I would like some wisdom on the indications from my eMeter that this pwerpack has fizzled a gadget internally. Recent layout work resulted in railpower "disappearing first on Cab 1 then Cab 2 ....no smoke or acrid odour just zilch. Checking the connectors with the eMeter revealed 22 volts output on each side independently...its rated by manufacturer at 14v.... Wisdom to ask before I crack the case and look internally. This unit has been in/out of work for 30 years, maybe its just "done". Any thoughts appreciated: Its set up for dual main on a kato layout 8x10 running triple consists for a CPRail Laggan Division Package. Thx ahead!. Michael Recent layout work. Now no power? Undo what track connections you made. The "MRC Power packs have many safety devices to avoid shorts and overloads." so the instructions say.
After giving it more thought Pc101 is correct....undo what You did, then unplug the unit from the wall socket, wait a few seconds and plug it back in. That power pack should have an internal circuit breaker that will reset once short or problem is fixed, but you have to unplug it for it to reset. My MRC Tech II 1500 is that way...forgot about that reset. I still use that power pack on My work bench. My MRC CM 20's has flashing pilot light when a short is detected and will not stop or even work, until the short is corrected, then You unplug it and plug back in. If you got the short fixed, the pilot light will be on steady and change in brightness with throttle setting.
Here's a pic' of the 1500...I added the Analog vdc meter:
softail86mark Michael Sounds as if the insulation on the transformer windings may have failed. Possibly 30 years was the tipping point. Think it's out of warranty? It could have a lifetime guarantee!!!
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
It's Alive!!!
Much great wisdom gentlemen all! Resisted just tossing the unit out and pursued some checking as recommended.
MRC "rocks".
My conclusion: while 35plus the system components did their job; the shorts caused by installing a " bad order" Kato N Scale double cross over switch rectified themselves when the protection cooled down and reset. A week later when i got to the process of sorting it out, presto it was alive and continues to run two "3 up" consists around the layout "flawlessly".
Great Equipment supported by you "wise" folk.
The joy abounds as the layout is actually being glued down after 30 years, on and off / in and out of many houses. Cheers and warm Thank you to all.