I currently have a single throttle MRC Tech 2 power pack connected to my layout- a 3x7 DC switching layout. While cleaning up in the garage I came across a new-in-box Tech 4 Dual power pack that I had forgotten about. I want to reconfigure the wiring for blocks and dual cab control (too many DC locos to start going DCC right now).
Should I retsin and use the older Tech 2 pack for switches separately- I have 12 switches on my layout?
Cedarwoodron
I have always used a seperate power supply for switch machines. I would retain the original pack for this purpose.
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-Kevin
Living the dream.
cedarwoodron Should I retsin and use the older Tech 2 pack for switches separately- I have 12 switches on my layout? Cedarwoodron
I would recommend avoiding retsining unless you are a trained professional. I've retsined a couple of times, and considered myself lucky to have pulled it off.
I know this one guy who tried it and.........
Ed
7j43k I would recommend avoiding retsining unless you are a trained professional. I've retsined a couple of times, and considered myself lucky to have pulled it off. I know this one guy who tried it and......... Ed
I've heard about that, too. I recall that Lloyd Bridges used to refer to it during the closing credits on Sea Hunt:
"Retsining can be fun...but it can be dangerous, too!" It certainly made a lasting impression on me as a child.
Wayne
as an old friend of mine always says.."You guys ain't right"
Ah, yes. In my opinion wine is like baseball; pine resin ought to be illegal ... unless you can get away with it.
I did my best to avoid mentioning Certs with retsin or the American Indie rock band Retsin. Not sure what American Indie is. Didn't want the OP to think I was lauging at his typo.
Now that others have broken the ice, he can think I'm piling on. Merry Christmas.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Certs doesn't have 'retsin' unless you, yourself, have made a typo.
I actually sympathize with the OP because I can't get my crApple phone to stop keeping "s" for "a" at random with the iOS 11 "improvements" to autocorrection.
... but it's too much fun to pile on.
You think I can properly spell Retsyn? I was a tic tac guy not a a Certs guy.
I posted a pic of NWSL gears and sent the pic from my Iphone to myself and it arrived with a subject of Neal not NWSL. So much for artificial intelligence. Can't wait for self driving cars.
I have one of those dual throttles units from MRC. I use the two outputs to power lights that use different voltage lights in structures. The industrial sites are lit brighter than the regular structures.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
So what is this topic about anyway?
It sure went off the rails quickly - typical for MR forums eh?
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Respectfully, the bottom line is that it's a good and safe idea to use a separate power supply for switches (turnouts) and other accessories. MRC's DC packs are generally quite reliable.
Decades back I used a, then new, MRC Tech II series power pack for my shelf switching layout and a small, ancient Tyco powerpack to run accessories. Back then I ran Athearn Blue Box units that could easily draw between .5 and 2 amps each. Didn't "phase" (pun intended) the Tech II one bit. I was amazed at how quickly the smaller pack heated up, even when on for a short time. Sputtered out after a year. My Tech II lasted over 20 years before conking out.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"