On my ho scale layout I use the 90’s tech II controller. They work well and they are affordable.
I had one as well and I agree, it was great for the HO, N and On30 trains I ran. For anything larger though you need a DC pack designed for G scale. I have some DC powered O scale locomotives who’s motors were just too big for the Tech II. I found the AristoCraft TP 7000 didn’t overload running heavy diecast locos.
Remember digital command control was relatively new in the O gauge world when MRC entered that market segment and in their defense neither MTH or QSI were exactly cooperative about sharing important details about how ProtoSounds functioned. Not even with reputable companies like MRC (or so I’ve been told by several hobby shop owners and repair techs who took MTH’s classes to become certified). Plus I’ve always suspected that neither MTH or QSI people were actually aware of the type of issue I was having (and thousands of others according to those same repair techs who sought answers from Mike Wolf at York). Fortunately for me at least the MRC DP O27 was a gift and I got the AristoCraft unit MIB for an excellent price. 
[…neither MTH or QSI were exactly cooperative about sharing important details about how ProtoSounds functioned.
[/quote]
Not TOO surprising with companies that have proprietary programming, components and circuitry in their electronics. I suspected as much when I had a blown board package in a MTH engine I bought used. Long story short ordering a new board package from MTH would have involved sending the bad one back to them. “Aha!” I said to myself, “Just like the copier companies, there’s things in those boards they don’t want others to know about!” So I ordered a drop-in board from Dallee electronics and restored conventional operation, which is all I do anyway.
MTH and QSI should have made an exception with MRC but that’s all water under the bridge now.
Yeah, but that would have made sense
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Hi, first post to the forum. I am using two ZWs and a KW to power my around the wall layout on two levels. Room size is 13 X 20 feet. I guess that answers the question, but I have a comment/question for the forum. I split the first level into two L shaped power districts and am feeding one from the AU side of the ZW and the other from the DU side. Running TMCC and have the common tied together. Opinions on this approach? I am running a bus under the track and have feeders from each piece of Gargrave’s track to the bus.
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Sounds good
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