Can the MTH HO scale PS3 system be used in O Scale? I am not looking for smoke or electro-couplers. I would like to use it to control a pair of MP54s, where space is very limited. Does the HO Scale system use the same timing tape/tach reader architecture? Estimated current draw is under an amp.
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Well, it should work, the HO boards work on my testset with the O-scale PS/3 tach reader. I have no idea of the capacity of the motor drive, but I'd assume that less than an amp max would probably not tax them too much.
I'd be careful here. Most of the MTH HO manuals will say that you can only use DC power sources and do not use AC as it will damage the board.
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Thanks H1000! I found an F7 operators manual, and it confirmed your statement
Presumably adding a rectifier/capictor will take care of that. Was that eliminated on the HO Scale boards to save space?
As for the operating voltage, the MTH HO Operating manual also states
"About 16 volts DC is adequate for prototypical speeds however, your engine can handle up to 24 volts DC if you feel the need for speed!"
As for the current draw of the locomotove, the manual states 23-650 mA. That is not a limit, just what the loco draws. I'll habe to measure the current draw of my MP54s to se what they require
@John Sethian posted:Thanks H1000! I found an F7 operators manual, and it confirmed your statement
MTH made AC and DC versions of the HO boards, there's a section in the test manual for each variety.
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GRJ
Thanks. So how does one tell which board is in which diesel? And from what I can tell, the HO Scale boards are 3/4" wide by 1" high by 2 3/4" long Correct?
HO PS-3 boards are like Lionel boards, lots of variations. If you're asking, might not be the way to go. Plus is HO even supported anymore? G
MTH made 65 different models of HO engines that can run on AC power. These are known as PS3E+ models and product number will end in -5 vs. the -1 that is typically seen. The PS3E+ engine have a DCC / DCS Switch that will need to be set if you plan to run on AC power.