Hi,
I have an fifteen year old Nscale layout.
My old powerpack (a CMI Super Blue) will throw all of the 6 remote switches both directions perfectly every single time.
My new powerpack (a MRC Tech4 280) will throw 4 of the remotes OK, but cannot throw the other 2.
I'm guessing the new powerpack doesn't have enough AC power for 2 of the switches. Especially since the 2 that balk are double switches that throw 2 sets of points simultaneously which would take more power.
Now that old Super Blue has more measured AC voltage (18.5v), compared to the MRC (14v). I think the SB also can put out lots more amperage because it weighs about 12 lbs instead of 3 pounds like the MRC.
Now I'm wondering what is the problem with the MRC, too little voltage or too little amps?
TWaters Now I'm wondering what is the problem with the MRC, too little voltage or too little amps?
Both, actually. The MRC doesn't have enough power to do the job. Power is the product of voltage and amperage.
What you need is a device to store the power that the MRC can put out, and then dump it out all at once to throw your turnouts. The simplest of these is called a capacitive discharge circuit. It uses a capacitor, which is an energy-storage component, to hold a big charge, which is then released when you push the button.
This is a great link to a bunch of MR-related circuits:
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html
You can build your own CD circuit for about $5 in overpriced parts from Radio $hack, or you can buy one, including a plug-in power supply, for around $30. Either way, you will be doing your switch machines a big favor.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
We have the same problems with my clubs layout. We use digitrax DCC to control trains but used MRC packs to throw switches. We found that we couldn't throw more than one or two at a time and sometimes only one. We had to switch to a starrtech hogger to get the switches to move. The DC side of these packs were dead but the accessory side was still working. plenty of power to throw double enders. I also installed a Circuitron Snapper CD unit mostly to protect the peco switch machine coils from burnout in case of a stuck pushbutton. If you install a Snapper you should be able to throw everyone.
Thank you gentlemen.
I will build a CD unit from Ratshack parts, instead of keeping the 15 pound powerpack dedicated to AC supply, like I was planning (because I didn't know of another way).
TWaters Thank you gentlemen. I will build a CD unit from Ratshack parts, instead of keeping the 15 pound powerpack dedicated to AC supply, like I was planning (because I didn't know of another way).
This is a common setup, to use separate power supplies for accessories and powering your trains. The CD unit is still a good idea, but don't get rid of the 15 pound power pack.