Drop in voltage in DCC system

[Anonymous]

[?][?]I have an MRC DCC 2000 system. I am experiencing a drop in voltage going to the trackwork. As a result, my locomotives are operating very slowly. My test of voltage is from the output connections on the MRC unit. So, it is not the wiring to the trackwork that is causing the drop in voltage. I am getting about 12 volts from my power source, but only about 8 volts from the DCC unit. Does this mean I need a booster or is there something wrong with my system? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Jacktal]

You may have a short somewhere.One test I'd do is unplug power to your track and take another reading....if there's no change you'll be 100% sure it's not your trackwork.

Most often a voltage drop is caused by a faulty connection,a feeder wiring that's too small or a driven accessory that's too resistive like a highly worn motor that's still works but consumes way too much current..

In automotive electricity,I sometimes have to perform voltage drop tests to find problems and I use this technique:let's say I have a path(wire) with a few connections along the way from A to say D...then I take a sensitive voltmeter(digital) and take readings from A to B then B to C then C to D with the normal load(loco for instance)load in operation.You do this for both paths and should be able to see where your power fades away generally creating heat depending on the extent of power loss,so checking for heat along your system could point to your trouble also.

Voltage drop tests will usually reveal minor drops along a circuit(fraction of volt) that will be quite steady along a circuit,which is normal when under load.You are looking for an important voltage drop which will single out a specific section or component of your system.Hope I've helped you....Jacques

[Anonymous]

Hi, I think if you will find the MRC DCC units require a 16VAC or 18VDC power input. What you are decribing is normal for the unit if you using a 12 VDC power pack. The control unit and manual should both have an input voltage label. You just need more voltage. FRED

[bruce22]

to ofset this problem is it ok to run HO units in the "G" scale mode?

[Jacktal]

During my research on DCC systems,I read that DCC units do require higher input voltage,in the 16-18V like flee 307 stated.Trying to get higher output voltage by changing the settings without giving the unit its required voltage could only lead to its destruction.My opinion.......