Using two MRC Control Master20’s to power my HO layout. Using 4 bladed connectors for multiple connections around my layout. Inspite of being extremely careful on the wiring, I am finding that some of the multiple connections are not controlling the track power through the handheld controller. I am using 16 guage wire to prevent voltage drop. Anyone had experience with a multiple hookup of the CM20 with a similar problem?
Hello, and to answer your question no, however I think you should be able to nail it down by using the process of elimination. Ben
Hi, this is Mobilman44 (wfanders@aol.com) and I have had lots of dealings with Controlmaster 20s this last month. I have three of them with 5 controllers. Unfortunately I have two different kinds (2 older version 85 va and 1 new verson 100 va). The first thing I found out the hard way is that the handhelds are specific to the two different types of CM 20. One version says made in China on the back and the newer ones say version 2 made in China on the back. They are NOT interchangeable. Soooo, assuming you have the right controllers, etc for the unit I would do the following…
Get the appropriate wall plugs for your handheld and connect them via the 22 gauge or similar 4 wire telephone wire available at Lowes or Home Depot. Do NOT use the fine wire that is used for todays new phone hook-ups - it can’t handle the current without a voltage drop. And using heavy gauge wire is just not workable. Trust me, I have worked this to the extreme and now have it correct.
I do have a problem… I only need two units and will either sell the two older ones (with fans) or sell the newer one with 2 extra remotes on Ebay. We will see.
Hope I helped you out, I really struggled on this one.
Mobilman44