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Hope this is in the right column.

I want to hook up volt and amp meters to my MRC 6200  transformer. I run straight dc. obviously I am a 2 railer.  The transformer has an on off switch as well as a directional switch. but none of the terminals are marked  Postive +  or negative - . can I hook up these meters and if so can someone please give me some help with a diagram .  

Thanks to all

Franky-Ogee

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If the meters came with directions, that would be helpful.  Posting a picture showing the hook-up wires (if included with the meters) and their terminal markings would also be good.  If the meters are digital, each one will likely require it own separate isolated fixed DC power source with fixed polarity to power their internal electronics.  The MRC 6200 DC track output is variable and changes polarity with the direction control.  In which case, the digital meters would require a separately derived DC power source from that which they are measuring.

Something Like this Isolated DC Power Supply Module (depending on the Voltage source and required Output):

Isolated DC Power Supply Module

The MRC 6200 Accessory output is AC.  This output could be used to drive DC power converters for the meters. Alternatively, the meters could be powered from wall wart type or other DC output transformers.  Knowing the meter's input voltage and wiring configuration is key to more answers.

Here is a link to the MRC 6200's Operating Instructions https://www.modelrectifier.com...r%206200%20AA222.pdf

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  • Isolated DC Power Supply Module
Last edited by SteveH

Unless someone is pretty familiar with the MRC 6200, it's a pretty hard question to answer.

Well, if you have a DC powerpack, the output polarity varies based on direction, which is why there is no polarity indication!  That being the case, you'll really need to go inside the powerpack and connect the amp meter before the polarity reversal switch in order to get a good current reading.  As for the volt meter, I'd probably consider a Schottky diode bridge to correct the polarity and monitor the output terminals.  You may be able to also connect it before the polarity reversal, it's all dependent on what's in side your MRC powerpack.

If, as I suspect it is, wired like this MRC powerpack, the red & green arrows would be where to connect the voltmeter, and the yellow circle would be where the ammeter would be connected in series with the output wire.  It appears that the direction switch on these powerpacks comes after the voltage control.

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  • blobid0
Last edited by gunrunnerjohn

They are analog meters with needle pointers. These were used in my old layout . They are well marked with the positive and negative markings. . I have no desire to go into the MRC Transformer. I had hoped I could add them to the control panel, while powering the layout with the transformer.

  Going into the transformer making internal corrections, is way above my pay grade, and I know it!!!

Franky-Ogee

John. if I add a reversing switch in the control panel and not use the reversing switch  on the transformer. just feed the wires from the trans to a double pole double throw switch, can I then take the wires to the switch  and wire in the gauges.    if I can how will I know which is positive and which is negative?   Or am I totally way off base here.

As you seem to come to everyone rescue, Thank you for your help!

Franky-Ogee

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