I JUST (two hours ago) purchased a new MRC Tech 4 280 Dual Power (2 throttles, one power pack). It was $71.00, so I figured it would be decent for what I’m using it for (running 2 trains at once, two separate/isolated main lines).
Sadly, the power output is poor. Even turned all the way up to “100,” the engines are going at a rate my 45 year-old MRC Throttle Pack sends one at 1/2 power. I tried several different engines (one at a time) w/ the same result on this new unit. Granted, the “full” speed is realistic, but it would be nice to have some reserve power *Note: engine test was w/o any rolling stock, over flat area).
What gives? Anyone else have this issue? Had the same problem w/ an old Troller dual unit - crank it up, train barely goes. Is it because the output on the new MRC is only 8.5 vA??? I compared it to the single throttle MRC Techs and their output is much higher. Unknown what it is on the ol’ reliable 1960’s Throttlepack.
Please help before I return this junk! I’m steaming (no pun intended), as I was looking forward to wiring up my new layout!!!
It’s 18 long by 8 wide. I ran the engines on the side I had the feeder hooked up to(nothing’s wired permenantly yet). Speed was the same regardless if it was right by the feeder connection, or across the way…
I have one also, and yes it does not give the same power to the track that my old single transformers do. I sure hope some one can answer/solve your question/problem.
ennout
Are you certain a “pulse power” mode isn’t turned on? That would supply only half power. I had a different MRC power pack that had such a switch. I was continually switch it to pulse mode and then scratch my head with the loco’s wouldn’t go.
I have the same power pack you are talking about Matt, I picked it up a train show for $10 last year. It doesnt have much power, and the trains wont go very fast. There is no pulse power switch, But since I use DCC I just use it to power my switch machines.
I think it was designed this way. I have both Tech II and Tech IV dualpacks and indeed the older Tech II produces more power.
Long story short, modern can-motor equipped locomotives need less power than the older open-type motors common before about 1990 did. So I think MRC figured they could lower the total output and allow for greater control - that is, the same 300-degree control knob going from 0 to say 9 volts allows greater control than one going from 0 to 12 volts.
I have one of these units (Tech 4 - 280) and it works fine. Of course I model in N-scale, so the power requirements are a lot less.
The only thing that I noticed is that both outputs are not calibrated the same. So when a train is passing from one block to another (powered by the other controller), I have to make sure the second knob is set a little higher or there will be a noticeable drop in speed.
I also use a Tech 4 280 on my ho scale layout. If i crank it up trains run way to fast for prototypical look. I have it blocked & feeders about every 3 ft. I have not checked output but some engines just react differantly. So no proplem for me. Hope you find out what is wrong.
I am SO glad I read this thread. I saw this product on Walthers.com and I wanted to run two trains and this seemed like the perfect fit. But now I am concerned. I started in the hobby as a kid in 1974, so I have all my old equipment, including the Troller TwinTranspak 2.5, if any of you older guys remember those. It still works, but I figured I should update my equipment, especially since I am building a whole new layout anyway. So my question is…what IS the best power pack out there?