Is the Tech II 1500 a good power supply for HO steam?
If I were you I’d be getting an MRC Tech 4 200, 220, or 260. They’re the best DC power packs on the market. I run 3 HO steam locomotives with it at the same time and I’ve never had a problem.
Its ok, put I would get a Tech II 2500.
You can pick one up like new on Ebay for around 30 bucks.
Cheers,
Mark
It depends on the power draw of the locomotive. If it is newer and draws one amp or less in regular running this will be fine. If it is an older one that regularly needs more power, like 2 amps, this will be insufficient.
It’s not that simple.
It’s a question of amperage, amperage & more amperage.
It’s voltamps(VA).
DC or DCC operation?
Loco draw
Electrical accessories, lighted bldgs, switches etc.
Lighted passenger cars.
Visit www.modelrec.com
Some of the packs state VA rating, 17, 20, 30, 18 , 18.5 and 7.
Like 4884 said," the tech 4 series are the best DC on the market.
The tech 4-260 with 20 VAs sells for $50.00 + shipping at trainworld.
The Walthers HO catalog has over 1,000 pages of HO accessories and not all manufactures list their products in it such as the biggest player, Athearn.
There are at least 15 different locomotive manufacturers listed and more for rolling stock.
There are Chevies, Fords, Chryslers, Lincolns, Cadillacs, Lexus etc and LEMONS too.
We can save you money and grief. Been there, done that so come on back and reflect your intentions.
Thanks for the advice. My intention is to rethink my thinking and look for a better power supply.
Plan ahead. If you think you will need something bigger then just buy it. Better to buy now then to buy twice.
I’ve decided on the MRC Tech 4 220. It just seemed to be a more practical choice.
Think about the MRC Tech 4 260. Momentum and braking are nice features.
I don’t go for those extra options but if you review the 260, you will see that it has 20 VAs.
You won’t look back if you decide on it. You don’t know what your future requirements will be down the track.
Once I get my tabletop level and the foamboard secured, I’m going to lay track and use a MRC Tech 4 260 for power.
PennsyHooiser, the MRC Tech 4 220 has Momentum and Braking too.
You’re right, Jonathan. But, if I recall, it doesn’t have as much overall power.
I have a Tech 4 220, and it had 17VA.
I also have a Control Master 20, which has like 100VA or somthing. It goes in and out of functioning somtimes. I’d expect a 200 transformer to be damn near perfect, but this sucker has periods were I must shut it off and try again later.
I never went for braking and/or momentum, so I got two Tech II 2400’s like 25 years ago and have never looked back. The only thing that ever overloaded anything was a short. When they die i will probably get whatever MRC is making at the time to replace them.
PS- I used to have an ammeter I could switch in on any pack on my old layout, and I have never seen any HO loco pull anywhere close to two amps.
i’d go w/ the TECH 4 260- the very best power pack on the market today
tech 4s are nice
but my tech III 9500
its got two meters
volts & amps
and I cant think how meny times I use the meters
runs at an amp or so
the darn thing is handy
shorts dont hide from me
my freinds inadvertently cross the track
I see it loco have bad wires
I see it ok so I dont have the auto speed on the grade
I dont like the throttle doing things with out me
I have run 9 locomotives at once
gets hot but NP
B
A.J.:
If you are running a 17 VA (watt) power pak and your 1OO watter is shutting down, something is amiss, and not Kosher. My guess is the solid state ‘crowbar’ (fuse) is too fast acting - depending on your load - or set too low. An AMPERAGE meter ($26) or shipping to MRC Service is definitely in order to solve a problem. Generally, a popping fuse is a sign of a problem elsewhere. FINDING it is a must.
100 VA should be arount 36 amp’s. Your average household cicuit is only 15 amp’s, so I wonder what is causing your big MRC to shut down before 15 amps?
Something smell’s bad. Let MRC have a crack at it - and … buy a ammeter.
I have 2 MRC Tech II 2500s. Both are over 15 years old and they just keep crankin’ out the amps. You can probably find them cheaper used, then a Tech 4 brand new.
Nick
Don Gibson
If your power pack is delivering 100 volt-amps at 15 volts, your current is only 6.6 amps (100/15). Volt amps is another name for Watts. Your 15 amp household circuit can handle up to 1875 watts beause it is operating at 20 volts. A 100 watt (volt-amp) power pack is no strain for this circuit.