First what is the math for figuering the ture amp output. As many of you know I broke my MRC and need a new DC power supply. I will use the figuers off my now dead MRC 1440.
Input Output Total Output
120 VAC 60 HZ 14VDC, 18 VAC 13VA
If I am doing the Math right you take 13 VA divied by 14 VDC = .9285714 amps. Is that right? If not let me know.
Goals are to be able to run 3 to 4 Athearns Blue boxes, old MRC 1440 2 max, 3rd would shut it down fast.
I have been looking at used MRC Teck II 2400’s, will it power 3 BB’s?
What is the driffress between the MRC 9000 and 9500? New MRC 9500 at LHS is $79.99, have a chances to buy a used MRC 9000 for $50.00 from a local guy.
Jeff from Rails USA has a MRC TECK IV 280 and dual thottle and will run 4 BB’s for a hour or so before it shuts down. LHS has them new for $59.95. Dual thottle is neat with me having two main lines, but I hope to go DCC.
As a whole is a Teck IV 200, 220 or 260 better than the Teck II 9500 or 9000? Metters are cool but pulling power is what I am after. Good slow speed, well not big worrie yet. Have not got to the loading trains at a point to point yet.
If the IV’s 200, 220 or 260 will handle the task let me know.
looking forward to the answers.
C
Ken,
My math’s a little fuzzy on this, but I THINK your old MRC was putting out 13 amps of power at 14VDC. That should be enough to run the engines you listed, and then some. Someone will corerct me if I am wrong, but you shouldn’t be having power problems with those kinds of ratings.
I don’t know what differences there are between the 9000 and 9500, except maybe the meters. They are big power producers.
I might, JUST MIGHT, be persuaded to loan you one of my old MRC 2500’s, at least until you either buy a new pack or convert to DCC. Let me know if that would help you. I can try to meet you at K-10’s or at least leave it with Ken for you to pick up.
Darrell, quiet…for now
Darrell, PM me you phone number and we will talk. If we cannot meet up at K-10 this Wensday when I hope to run my engine I will leave a PK E-6 with Ken to so you can pick it up to hold.
That would be a temp fix for now. Any other feedback?
Darrell,. this is Cuda Ken
I am the one with out all the fur.
Cuda Ken
Your math looks right, but feels wrong. Too low. Not saying it is wrong. I have 3 MRC Tech II 2400s and they run three or four engines at a time just fine, including my only two Athearn Blue Boxes; two Trainmasters. I have 3 in case one breaks because I was afraid i wouldn’t find another one. I really like those babies.
120 VAC 60 HZ 14VDC, 18 VAC 13VA The 13VA divided by 14 results in less than an amp of current. This is the total for both outputs… Looking at the MRC website, this seems to be normal. Since this is DC, there is no power factor to mess up the calculations, Watts = VA = V*A. Since you are looking for power, go for the unit that offers the highest VA rating, as that is what you want. They show one that is rated almost 6A on the DC terminals.
I would have thought the MRC 1440 would run 3 Athearns as well. But some are older and 12 wheelers. Pk’s on the other hand I have ran 5 of them at one time with out a hitch.
For some reason I thought I need to know the total amp out put. If all I need to know is the VA output that is a lot simpler. I all so use two LL blue transfomers to power the boards lights.
Guess I will look for one that has around 17VA.
Thanks for the answers.
Ken
I have a 3 tech 2’s that will run all the lights, trains, switches, without any problem. If I recall right, your last post said you had a low budget. DCC is going to be even harder on your budget and your brain.