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Unused Tech 4 Dual Powerpack

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  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Good ol' USA
  • 9,642 posts
Posted by AntonioFP45 on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 10:37 AM

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!"

 


  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 8:08 AM

So what is this topic about anyway? Confused

It sure went off the rails quickly - typical for MR forums eh?  Mischief

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Clinton, MO, US
  • 4,261 posts
Posted by Medina1128 on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 7:58 AM

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.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, December 25, 2017 6:29 PM

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.

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Monday, December 25, 2017 5:57 PM

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.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, December 25, 2017 5:23 PM

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

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Monday, December 25, 2017 3:46 PM

Ah, yes.  In my opinion wine is like baseball; pine resin ought to be illegal ... unless you can get away with it.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Louisville
  • 588 posts
Posted by dbduck on Monday, December 25, 2017 2:12 PM

as an old friend of mine always says.."You guys ain't right"

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: Canada, eh?
  • 13,375 posts
Posted by doctorwayne on Monday, December 25, 2017 2:00 PM

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

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Monday, December 25, 2017 11:54 AM

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

  • Member since
    January 2017
  • From: Southern Florida Gulf Coast
  • 18,255 posts
Posted by SeeYou190 on Monday, December 25, 2017 8:08 AM

I have always used a seperate power supply for switch machines. I would retain the original pack for this purpose.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Tampa, Florida
  • 1,481 posts
Unused Tech 4 Dual Powerpack
Posted by cedarwoodron on Monday, December 25, 2017 8:05 AM

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

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