ps2 engines with an mrc transformer

NEVER NEVER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Run mth proto 2s with an mth transformer

If I recall correctly, the MRC puts out a different wave form than what is needed for MTH DCS, which requires a smooth sine wave.  So the MRC is incompatible with MTH DCS.   YB

Really?  Why wouldn't the MTH transformer be compatible with the MTH locomotive?  Are you sure you didn't mean MRC transformer?

 

FWIW, when I was at the ASC training, it was mentioned that certain PS/2 locomotives had issues with the MRC transformer.  I found that really odd as the MRC is a pure sine wave transformer, at least the one they were referring to specifically.  I have the the MRC Pure Power 270, and it's waveform is a pure sine wave.  It has a large toroid core with two wipers to pick off the secondary voltage, no electronic controls of the voltage.

I think the issue is early models of MRC, not necessarily all MRC.  G

The curious thing was that I was told that my MRC Pure Power 270 was specifically one that caused issues.  I didn't choose to argue the point, but I am curious as to what the issue experienced was.

 

FWIW, I have a MRC Pure Power Dual I purchased used in 2005, and have never had any problem with (numerous) PS2 or PS1 engines.  Are you running coventional or command?  Do you have a different tranny to test with?

 

Stack 

Stack, you miss my point.  I have no issues with the transformer, however I power my setup with a pair of Lionel PH180 transformers.

 

As I recall there are two different MRC power supplies that have/use "270" in their naming/identification.  I had the early 90's one and yes most ps-1 and ps-2 engines did NOT like it.

 

Ron

This is the transformer that I have and I'm talking about.  I can't imagine why it would be an issue with MTH as it's a pure sine wave coming out.

 

 

 

This is the transformer that MTH had on the shelf as an example of a problem transformer.  This is the same basic design with just one output and 130 watts of power.  Hard to believe this one was an issue either.

 

 

 

I suspect this is the MRC transformer that's really a possible issue.  Being an electronically controlled transformer, I'm guessing this is the real problem item.

 

 

HUH? We run PS-2 with both the Z4K and Z1K transformers w/o any problems at all. As for MRC, I have and use a 270W Pure Power Dual transformer (same as John's post above). Again, no issues.

 

As I recall, there were MTH issues when using early Lionel CW80s.

 

Gilly

This wakes up some old memories.  I was installing QSI sound years ago and recall that the problem is that the MRC put out a "square wave" instead of a sine wave.  In other words it "chopped" from high to low without a smooth wave.  That was no problem with a mechanical e-unit, but was a problem with some electronic boards.  I believe MRC then updated their later units to make them MTH compatible.  At the time, MTH was a small but quickly growing player in the market!

Hi John, my post was to the OP

 

Stack

Point noted Stack.

 

I suspect it's the electronic one that is or was an issue.

 

Yes, late 1990's would be the period, MTH beginning to break out from Lionel, QSI electronics.  The MRC "square wave" is not working.  MRC makes a new one to work with QSI.  Shortly after QSI and MTH go their separate ways.  Protosounds is QSI based but Protosound 2 is a QSI free new way of doing things.   So, likely any MRC unit built after 2000 or so is going to handle MTH stuff OK.  These old MRC will still work fine with Lionel mechanical e units.

I can tell you from experience the mrc 027 100 watt xformer will not work with MTH ps1& some ps2 diesels. This is not s pure sine wave xformer

Sounds right, the early electronic transformers really butchered the waveform even more than current models.