I was having a problem with power from one source; I finally checked he power from the MRC 220 and found no power coing from the power source; query, does a transformer lose power (quit working) after running fine? If so, is there any fix or is the fix a new transformer. It is been some time since I have worked one my layout and I find it is just like starting from scrtch. Thanks for any info.
You don't say what transformer you have, could just be a fuze but in most that means a new transformer.
I'd contact MRC customer support.
I suppose a short that you ignored could have cooked it but stuff breaks all on it's own too. The electrically astute around here could source a new transformer, that would fit and fix it themselves. I wouldn't be one of those people.
Since you mention you have not run trains in some time, I would ask if there is no output at the terminals on the power pack, or are you measuring downstream, where a broken wire could be to blame.
Edit: Plan B, these are selling for less than $30 on fleabay.
Welcome to the forum. You posts are being monitored for a while, so you can't really get back to us in real time. That too will pass.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I would disconnect the MRC power pack from the layout, and then check for voltage output. Most power packs can sense a short circuit from the excessive current they draw, and have electronic circuits that shut them down to protect themselves. If you have a short on the layout, the power pack will shut down and show no voltage out.
Older power packs might have an internal fuse that may blow just for the hell of it, but anything made in the last 20-30 years will be all solid state, no fuses, no relays.
MRC powerpacks are pretty dependable, but they can fail. They can blow the output transistor, or the reversing switch can wear out, or a bunch of other stuff.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
This may seem obvious but... Is the momentum switch ON?
I was helping a friend with an N scale layout once and he was miffed that his MRC throttle had quit working.
I inquired about the problem and he demonstrated, "see, I turn up the throttle and nothing happens"... I pointed out that he had the momentum switch ON and that if he would just wait a few moments, the engine should begin moving.
Boy, was he red-faced. Never gave any thought to the momentum...
Maybe this is what you are experiencing???
http://www.modelrectifier.com/resources/dc-ac/Tech%204%20200-220-260%20AB111_121_131.pdf
Good Luck, Ed
A previous MRC power pack had a problem with the slide switch for "forward/reverse". It didn't connect easily and had no power coming off it when that happened. The problem got worse, and I got another one.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
The transformer sends AC to a rectifier for DC control and a separate winding sends AC to the terminals for accessories.
An auto light bulb could be used if no meter.
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.
Disconnect any output wires to the DC/AC terminals and then unplug unit, then plug back in...That should reset the Automatic circuit protection. Also while unplugged slide all the slide switches back and forth a few times, pressing down on them a little. Test for voltage on DC/AC output. If ok You should have 0-23v DC variable and 18.5v AC fixed. If not....It more than likely is fried.
Good Luck!
Take Care!
Frank
It could be a fuse or something
Gotta say..........MRC packs are typically very reliable and durable. Got my first in the early '60s, and have one I bought in the 70s that I use on the current dcc layout for turnout controls.
Thank you for the replies to my post; I did contact MRC and was told to move the direction switch back and forth a number of times(using a spray cleaner that I did not have) and after doing so the MRC 220 was working. Something to keep in mind for a possible future problem