Yet another question…Is this transformer/walkaround set up worth having? I’ve heard a few people mention they had problems with ps1 engines operating properly, how wide spread is that problem? Both the cw-80 and the lionel mw transformer i’ve got seem to be junk - should I just go for an old zw?
I have not heard of anyone have problems with MRC transformers with either MTH or Lionel engines. MRC is a pure sine wave trasnformer.
The CW80 is a crop wave trasformer, which can cause problems with MTH engines.
If you choose a Post War ZW, it is a pure sine wave trasnformer ( I use two of them myself) but you should add a fast acting curcit breaker to the line between the trasnformer and the track.
I would advise against the MRC.I have one that runs my lights. I had problems with my layout while running one track the other wopuld go full power.I broke three engines because of this.It was sent back three times and “repaired” but sooner or later the problem returned.I went to lionel cab 1 with no wiring alterations and things have been fine since. (two years).I highly rcomend the MRC HO power packs.I have met three people who have had essentially the same problems with the DUAL POWER 027.
Ed
The MRC Dual Power 027 that came out about 8-9 years ago had a metal case and was controlled by a handheld remote. It had a port for a second remote and had two fixed outputs for accessories/lighting.
It was a pain in the patoot when trying to operate MTH Proto 1.0 engines. I gave mine away to a guy who used it for lighting only.
It was a very different transformer from the current MRC 270 watt dual throttle unit that is sold now.
I own a newer MRC dual 270 and I’ve successfully used it on PW, PS1, and PS2. I now use it to power 2 channels on my TIU and use the fixed voltage for all my switches.
- walt
Unless you only plan on running pre- or postwar, if you get an MRC, stick with a newer version. Although we had decent results when we first tested the original DualPower O-27 (silver box, wire throttle) in the January 1998 issue, we ended up posting a followup. It wasn’t compatible with all QSI or MTH PS-1 equipment, and in some cases it didn’t work with TMCC/RailSounds engines.
In retrospect, while there was an issue with the transformer’s signal, there also seemed to be some varience with the individual circuit boards where model a. might run fine, model b. ran fine with no sound, and model c. imitated a brick.
Later MRC transformers resolved these issues. I’ve got MRC’s 270-watt transformer (CTT March 2004) in my basement running two mainlines and I’ve never had more than a spurious horn beep.
I purchased one many years ago and still have it in limited use. I use it for fixed voltage to my Lionel switches. I also use variable track-1 for some of my cabin lights so I can dim them or brighten them when I feel like it. I glued a piece of wood onto the hand held controller so I can’t turn the knob past 14 volts.