I currently have a single throttle MRC Tech 2 power pack connected to my layout- a 3x7 DC switching layout. While cleaning up in the garage I came across a new-in-box Tech 4 Dual power pack that I had forgotten about. I want to reconfigure the wiring for blocks and dual cab control (too many DC locos to start going DCC right now).
Should I retsin and use the older Tech 2 pack for switches separately- I have 12 switches on my layout?
Cedarwoodron
I have always used a seperate power supply for switch machines. I would retain the original pack for this purpose.
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-Kevin
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I would recommend avoiding retsining unless you are a trained professional. I’ve retsined a couple of times, and considered myself lucky to have pulled it off.
I know this one guy who tried it and…
Ed
I’ve heard about that, too. I recall that Lloyd Bridges used to refer to it during the closing credits on Sea Hunt:
“Retsining can be fun…but it can be dangerous, too!” It certainly made a lasting impression on me as a child.
Wayne
as an old friend of mine always says…“You guys ain’t right”
Ah, yes. In my opinion wine is like baseball; pine resin ought to be illegal … unless you can get away with it.
I did my best to avoid mentioning Certs with retsin or the American Indie rock band Retsin. Not sure what American Indie is. Didn’t want the OP to think I was lauging at his typo.
Now that others have broken the ice, he can think I’m piling on. Merry Christmas.
Certs doesn’t have ‘retsin’ unless you, yourself, have made a typo.
I actually sympathize with the OP because I can’t get my crApple phone to stop keeping “s” for “a” at random with the iOS 11 “improvements” to autocorrection.
… but it’s too much fun to pile on.
You think I can properly spell Retsyn? I was a tic tac guy not a a Certs guy.
I posted a pic of NWSL gears and sent the pic from my Iphone to myself and it arrived with a subject of Neal not NWSL. So much for artificial intelligence. Can’t wait for self driving cars.
I have one of those dual throttles units from MRC. I use the two outputs to power lights that use different voltage lights in structures. The industrial sites are lit brighter than the regular structures.
So what is this topic about anyway? [*-)]
It sure went off the rails quickly - typical for MR forums eh? [:-,]
Respectfully, the bottom line is that it’s a good and safe idea to use a separate power supply for switches (turnouts) and other accessories. MRC’s DC packs are generally quite reliable.
Decades back I used a, then new, MRC Tech II series power pack for my shelf switching layout and a small, ancient Tyco powerpack to run accessories. Back then I ran Athearn Blue Box units that could easily draw between .5 and 2 amps each. Didn’t “phase” (pun intended) the Tech II one bit. I was amazed at how quickly the smaller pack heated up, even when on for a short time. Sputtered out after a year. My Tech II lasted over 20 years before conking out.