I just dug out my MRCThrottlepack 500 and noticed I didn’t have the instructions on how to hook it up to me pike I’ve started. I have contacted MRC and they informed me that they no longer have that info. So I’m asking if anyone out there knows anything about the Throttlepack 500 to let me know. I’m new to the game and I’m a little timid at trying to set it up and wind up burning up my equipment. HELP…
To me, that sounds like a reason to upgrade that pack…
The output to the track should be labeled “DC” or “Track” or “To Trains”
The one you DO NOT want to hook to the track is the AC Accessory output. It should be labelled as such.
I don’t recall if that particular model had a fixed DC output as well, if so, MRC usually labelled those “Fixed DC for Expansion”. It won;t damage your locomotive if you accidently hook to those terminals, but it WILL take off at full speed with no control if you do so.
I still have 2 MRC 500 packs (gold and black paint) which I purchased in 1984 …a bit rusty with lots of paint spilled on them from previous layouts but still work great!..from left to right as you look at the electrical connection screws…the first 2 posts are DC variable or the ones to wire to the track…the second two are DC constant…use that for 12v DC equipment or motor driven turnout machines and the last two posts are 16v AC…use that for AC accessories or coil type turnout machines…Chuck[:D]
Thanks for everyones help. Really do appreciate it. Will use the forum again when I need to.
One problem you may run into with the Throttle packs is that they do not have enough resistance to control many of the newer locomotives. They are not a transistor pack, thus there is only a reohstat in series with the output. They do make a great power source for a transistor throttle or accessories.
and that is exactly what i use them for…I have one that I use the A/C side of for a Dallee walk around throttle…the other pack i use for almost all of the auxiliary power supply…A/C , D/C, and the variable D/C which operates about 25 Circitron tortoise machines…I haven’t used them to operate the trains in some years but they were ok…just a bit of a jack rabbit start for most of the engines but it wasn’t that bad…Chuck[:D]