PRIO The question I had is simple, I apologize for not knowing a lot of the terminology. I built a large detailed HO layout, and just finished wiring it with simple DC with two mains and I have an old dual 12v power pack. I was going to use that, until it got difficult to only watch the train movement from one location. I still want to keep it simple. I want to be able to walk around the layout with remote control. I will be the only one using the layout, and I want to run two main lines at once. I am not into sound, but I want to put constant lighting in all my engines. I have quite a few engines, none with sound. Can I use the 12v DC dual power pack and get the Crest Train engineer containing one receiver and one transmitter, then get another receiver for my other main line. Thanks, Jim
The question I had is simple, I apologize for not knowing a lot of the terminology. I built a large detailed HO layout, and just finished wiring it with simple DC with two mains and I have an old dual 12v power pack. I was going to use that, until it got difficult to only watch the train movement from one location.
I still want to keep it simple. I want to be able to walk around the layout with remote control. I will be the only one using the layout, and I want to run two main lines at once.
I am not into sound, but I want to put constant lighting in all my engines. I have quite a few engines, none with sound.
Can I use the 12v DC dual power pack and get the Crest Train engineer containing one receiver and one transmitter, then get another receiver for my other main line. Thanks, Jim
Jim, do the two mains interconnect with any crossovers?
Your dual pack can power one Train Engineer receiver. Your dual pack most likely has only one transformer inside, and each Train Engineer receiver needs a seperate power source.
You can use two recievers and switch back and forth on one transmitter, or get two of each and let each one be dedicated just like your dual pack, but now with wireless walk around.
CB radio power supplies work very well with the TE for HO.
Do have block wiring of any kind now with your dual pack?
Did you use common rail wiring?
With answers to these questions I can provide more help.
Sheldon
Thanks for the advice Sheldon. Again, I aplogize for the lack of terminology. I have two main lines, one side of the dual power pack for each main line. I only run one train (several engines together) on each line. I do not have any blocks. I have a couple cross overs to get from one main line to the other, but are double rail insulated. I have power to all track at all times on each dedicated main line, except I have many toggles to switch off the sidings.
I enjoy constant lighting, will this be effected by any of the TE supplies. Thanks, Jim
PRIOThe question I had is simple, I apologize for not knowing a lot of the terminology. I built a large detailed HO layout, and just finished wiring it with simple DC with two mains and I have an old dual 12v power pack. I was going to use that, until it got difficult to only watch the train movement from one location. I still want to keep it simple. I want to be able to walk around the layout with remote control. I will be the only one using the layout, and I want to run two main lines at once. I am not into sound, but I want to put constant lighting in all my engines. I have quite a few engines, none with sound. Can I use the 12v DC dual power pack and get the Crest Train engineer containing one receiver and one transmitter, then get another receiver for my other main line. Thanks, Jim
If the dual power pack was made by MRC, then it has 2 transformers. This is not really important, as you are not using common rail block wiring. I'm not familiar with the Crest product to know how much additional power is needed, but assuming your power pack is adequate for the 2 trains you run now, it should be adequate for the Crest - at least to start with.
Another possibility is to start off powering one main from one side of your power pack, and a single receiver from the other side for the other main. Add the second receiver when you are ready.
just my thoughts
Fred W
PRIO Thanks for the advice Sheldon. Again, I aplogize for the lack of terminology. I have two main lines, one side of the dual power pack for each main line. I only run one train (several engines together) on each line. I do not have any blocks. I have a couple cross overs to get from one main line to the other, but are double rail insulated. I have power to all track at all times on each dedicated main line, except I have many toggles to switch off the sidings. I enjoy constant lighting, will this be effected by any of the TE supplies. Thanks, Jim
Jim, The TE uses pulse width modulation to control the train. The motor sees this a DC, but it gives you very good slow speed. Because the pulses are 12 volts, lighting circuits see 12 volts as soon as you start to advance the throttle. So the lights come on right away, full brightness, before the train moves, and stay fully bright until you stop the train and reduce the trottle to zero.
Fred has informed us you dual pack may have two power supplies, so it can power two receivers. It is dificult to transition a train from one receiver to another, so a simple block system with two toggle switches would allow smooth movement from one main to the other, I could send you a simple drawing.
fwright PRIO The question I had is simple, I apologize for not knowing a lot of the terminology. I built a large detailed HO layout, and just finished wiring it with simple DC with two mains and I have an old dual 12v power pack. I was going to use that, until it got difficult to only watch the train movement from one location. I still want to keep it simple. I want to be able to walk around the layout with remote control. I will be the only one using the layout, and I want to run two main lines at once. I am not into sound, but I want to put constant lighting in all my engines. I have quite a few engines, none with sound. Can I use the 12v DC dual power pack and get the Crest Train engineer containing one receiver and one transmitter, then get another receiver for my other main line. Thanks, Jim If the dual power pack was made by MRC, then it has 2 transformers. This is not really important, as you are not using common rail block wiring. I'm not familiar with the Crest product to know how much additional power is needed, but assuming your power pack is adequate for the 2 trains you run now, it should be adequate for the Crest - at least to start with. Another possibility is to start off powering one main from one side of your power pack, and a single receiver from the other side for the other main. Add the second receiver when you are ready. just my thoughts Fred W
Fred, thanks, I have not used a dual pack or taken one apart in decades. The TE does not like common rail wiring and works better with filtered, regulated supplies, but will work from a typical power pack simply turned all the way up.