I ran my Lenz Set 100 for quite a while on an old train transformer. It worked fine, until I added some illuminated passenger cars and I was running sound engines. Then I noticed that everything ran very slowly. I'd run out of power.
I bought a 5-amp NCE power supply and I've been happy with it ever since.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thanks too everyone that replyed, helped out alot.
The output specs on those MRC power packs indicate 17 Watts output for the Tech 4 Railpower 250 and no output rating listed for the Tech 4 260. I don't think either one is suitable for use as a DCC power supply. You need a transformer with at least 5 Amps output at 16-19 VAC, which equates to a power output of 95 Watts (Volts times Amps = Watts).
Using a low powered transformer will cause the Lenz system to perform erratically if at all, and the transformer will get dangerously hot if they don't have the proper internal thermal circuit breakers..
My clubs Lenz sets use the Magna force MF615. On page 20 of the LZV100 manual there is a list of recommended power supplies. It is best not to stray from the recommended list. Keep your MRC power packs for layout lighting or the train running around the Christmas tree. Do not use them for powering your expensive DCC system. You will have problems with not enough power for the breakers to trip when a short happens.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
I just bought a Lenz Set90 (v3.6) and need a transformer to power it. I already have a couple MRC power packs available, will any of them work?
1) MRC Tech 4 Railpower 250 no (UL) tag? <- does this matter?
1st connection is for- Variable DC
2nd connection is for- Access AC
3rd connection is for- Fixed DC (- +)
Input: 120VAC 60HZ
Output: 18VDC, 16VAC, 21VDC ; Total Output: 17VA
2) MRC Tech 4 260 (UL) tag
Imput: 120VAC 60HZ
Output: 17VDC, 15VDC
Can anyone help with this? Or recomend a better idea? Thanks.