ERR Commander Output Voltages

CharlyOGR Forum Member

Hi all,

Recently installed an ERR system in a Lionel engine. Due to it going from Lionel Conv., to MTH PS2 and back to ERR, I have lost both the original lights and couplers for this engine. So I was wondering if anyone knew what voltages the board is sending out. For instance, I believe the PS2 systems is firing couplers at 6 volts, where as conv. systems are expecting anything up to 18 volts, etc.. Since I no longer have the original lights, I don't know if they were LED or incandescent. Any help is appreciated. The engine was the Lionel Chessie SD40-2 Cab #7617, Stock No. 6-28245, from catalog 1 of 2006. Thanks.

10/18/152:44 PM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

The ERR products that use the R2LC for the TMCC receiver put out around 10 volts RMS, typically you'd use a 12V incandescent bulb. You can also use an LED with a 470 ohm resistor and a diode to protect against reverse polarity. Note that the lighting outputs are negative in respect to frame ground, something to keep in mind for LED's.

The couplers should measure between 6 and 8 ohms. If you have the PS/2 couplers, they will only measure a couple of ohms and will overload the coupler outputs of the R2LC. The Lionel R2LC puts out full-wave track voltage to fire the couplers.

10/18/157:31 PM

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CharlyOGR Forum Member

Thanks for responding John. In regards to couplers, I could use old PS1 couplers then? I'll probably go with incandescent bulbs on the lights, as I have plenty of those available.

10/20/1510:10 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Yep, PS/1 couplers work fine, just don't try to use the PS/2 couplers. While they appear to work, they are really overloading the little coupler triac on the R2LC.

10/20/151:19 PM

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CharlyOGR Forum Member

Cool beans!! Thanks John