|
|
MRC Dual-Phase DC and DCC 6A Transformer
|
Sort:
|
|
 Prev Next |
You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
mack0238
Passenger
Send Message
Posts:2
 |
| 28 Oct 2009 08:51 PM |
|
Hi, I called MRC Inc. today, and they tell me that they are going to have a new product out after the 1st of the year. It is a "large scale" 6 amp DC Transformer with a switch to go to DCC when needed. Since none of my LGB locos are equipped with DCC decoders, does anyone know if this would be a good buy seeing as I want to slowly convert my engines one at a time (worth it?), and still be able to use my DC engines in the meanwhile? Does MRC's equiptment seem the way to go, or does LGB/Marklin offer a better product themselves? I really only "need" DCC SOUND for now. The DC motors in my locos could still run on Analog DC, while I access different sounds in a decoder inside a box car near the engine. Is this idea a waste of time? Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated for a newbie like me. Sorry if this question has already been asked... couldn't seem to find it. Thanks, -Pete in Minnesota
|
|
|
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 28 Oct 2009 09:12 PM |
|
1. Not really sure what "a switch to go to DCC" means. If it means the power supply can also be used as a DCC booster, it might make some sense. Do you have any details? 2. "Is it worth it"? You need to consider if 6 amps will be enough. It's easy to hit 5 amps especially with lighted passenger cars. You need to consider how many locos you will run at once to determine if 6 amps will be the right amount for you, and of course if my guess in #1 is right. 3. MRC makes lower end products, some ok, some not good at all. For entry level, their stuff is ok in my opinion, but I would look elsewhere in large scale. 4. LGB is defunct, but their DCC system is not up to par in ease of use or features. I'm not aware that Marklin has a significant large scale offering. 5. If you are running DC on the rails, how do you intend to get DCC commands to the sound cards? One option is a DCC decoder that works on DC. The QSI, for example has ways to control sounds from DC, but is also a full DCC decoder, when you make the switch to DCC. You can do simple control of the horn and bell with the reversing switch... for control of 30 sounds, you can buy an inexpensive ($45) box that goes between the DC power and the track... handles up to about 3.5 amps. For higher current, you can buy a booster ($189) that will allow 30 amps... (I have all of these, although I run DCC). That's just one example, but probably the best choice of controlling "DCC sounds" from DC. Regards, Greg
|
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
Trains West
Brakeman
Send Message
Posts:727
|
| 29 Oct 2009 07:43 AM |
|
4. LGB is defunct, but their DCC system is not up to par in ease of use or features. I'm not aware that Marklin has a significant large scale offering.
this statement is wrong lgb is not dead
but I agree with every thing else you said |
|
| scott |
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 29 Oct 2009 07:58 AM |
|
Actually messed up:
4. LGB is not defunct, but their DCC system is not up to par in ease of use or features. I'm not aware that Marklin has a significant large scale offering.
(without the "not" the "but" makes no sense in the original sentence)
Thanks for catching that Scott.
Regards, Greg |
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
StanleyAmes
Brakeman
Send Message
Posts:286
|
| 29 Oct 2009 06:40 PM |
|
The MRC unit is intended for the DC users who also want to control the sound features of their DCC locomotives. In DC more it is a DC power pack, In DCC mode it is a one address command station.
Very simple and very easy to use.
Remember DCC is a protocol so a who lot of different options are available to the manufacturer on how to provide the features to the user.
Stan Ames |
|
|
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 29 Oct 2009 08:21 PM |
|
Ahh... the MRC "Blackbox" ... yes now I understand.
It's a solution when you want to control one DCC sound system on a DC track, although I'm darned to know how it works. It must send out some DCC function commands.
Regards, Greg |
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
Cougar Rock Rail
1st Class Member
Foreman
Send Message
Posts:1253
|
| 30 Oct 2009 11:50 AM |
|
LGB is not defunct, but their DCC system is not up to par in ease of use or features. I'm not aware that Marklin has a significant large scale offering. I have to disagree with you on this, Greg. The current MTSIII may be more limited than some others in terms of maximum locos etc., but it is still a full featured and NMRA compliant system. When combined with the MTS software and a Massoth navigator it's hard to beat for simplicity and ease of use. It may not be ideal for guys wanting to pull as many amps as an arc welder but for what it was designed for it's still a good system, IMHO. Keith |
|
| H&LA#1
SA2695 |
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 30 Oct 2009 12:50 PM |
|
Keith, using a Massoth Navigator is not what I think you can call a MTSIII system... it is DEFINITELY not what I was referring to, I said LGB. I will agree using a Massoth Navigator is much more sophisticated, but that's really not what people mean by a MTSIII system, it's buying "off the shelf" LGB components. That's like using an NCE booster with a Massoth Navigator and calling it an NCE system... I will stand by my statement an LGB system (no Massoth, LGB only) is not up to par on ease of use or features.
Features are not just NMRA compliance... things like dedicated buttons for tasks instead of levels of menus or arcane button sequences. Features like more information on the display. Features like more programming options. Features like programming shortcuts built in for SoundTraxx and QSI decoders.
In the picture below, the MTS throttles are red... I think it's evident that they are not capable of showing more information or having a larger number of dedicated functions, just by visual inspection! left to right: US dollar, Zimo, Massoth, LGB, LGB, NCE
Regards, Greg
|
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
Cougar Rock Rail
1st Class Member
Foreman
Send Message
Posts:1253
|
| 30 Oct 2009 02:16 PM |
|
I guess we look at things differently. In my mind, dedicated buttons or decoder specific shortcuts don't necessarily equate to ease of use. They can just add clutter or complexity when it's not needed. And the last time I tried an NCE throttle after five minutes I was ready to toss it through a window I was so frustrated. Also remember that the navigator was promoted in the last LGB catalog as part of the LGB family for users who wanted even more versatility. Given the MTSIII was made by Massoth and is just a simplied version of their system, I think you have to take them together. Even the MTSIII with the loco remotes (which I started with) are very nice and easy to use, especially for kids. For high end users, maybe not, but that's why they were promoting the navigator as an option. I'm not interested in getting into a pi&*ing match over it, but I do think there is a lot of generalization about the MTS system out there that puts people off it when it might actually fit them well. That's all I'm trying to say. |
|
| H&LA#1
SA2695 |
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 30 Oct 2009 02:30 PM |
|
Did not really want to get in the discussion of what "easier" equates to.
LGB is LGB... no matter who the OEM may be, what I MEANT was what most people recognize as LGB MTS.
If someone was using the Massoth, I think they would not think of the system as LGB.. the hardware says Massoth.
So, my statement about "LGB" stands.
In answering the original question on the thread, I was addressing options, the poster asked:
"Does MRC's equiptment seem the way to go, or does LGB/Marklin offer a better product themselves?"
So, I "feel" that you want Massoth "represented"...
I will add this additional answer:
If you consider the Massoth Navigator to be LGB, then yes, it's better than MRC, hands down, there's no comparison in my mind, nice stuff, and very capable. Note that it's significantly more expensive than the more popular DCC systems in the US, and WAY more expensive than the less capable and less friendly MRC systems.
Regards, Greg
|
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
Road Foreman
Brakeman
Send Message
Posts:429
|
| 30 Oct 2009 06:39 PM |
|
Greg,
Some time back we talked about the MRC black box & some body said it puts out address #3 when it sends out a command.. Will only talk to that address..
BulletBob |
|
| Bob Burton |
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 30 Oct 2009 07:48 PM |
|
Yep, I remember that, the interesting thing is how it sends a DCC signal... does it modulate the DC voltage in sort of a "positive half only DCC", or does it interrupt the power long enough to send real dcc, or does it use polarity reversals, and only work with the QSI style DC protocol? I'd sure like to know.
Regards, Greg |
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
Peter Osborne
Passenger
Send Message
Posts:95
|
| 01 Nov 2009 07:54 AM |
|
Greg, you seem to be a little tough on MRC. I know they have a broad range of products which may confuse people, and their decoders leave a lot to be desired, but I personally find the Advance Wireless to be a great solution to my GR needs. I use the older version 8 amp booster to provide enough juice, and wait with great interest for the new 8 amp Advance series booster that has been promised for most of the years. The handset is as intuitive as any on the market and I think helps remove much of the mystik of DCC for new users.
Peter. |
|
|
|
|
Bills
Brakeman
Send Message
Posts:291
|
| 01 Nov 2009 08:17 AM |
|
I agree with Pete (not about the being harsh part)the MRC Advanced is an excellent choice when paired with their 8 amp 20 volt booster . It will do everything at half the cost of anyone’s else system. The booster contains it's own power supply and will accept the output of any dcc control system to drive it. Their decoders leave a lot to be desired, but the new 1800 series are silent, make a sound that somewhat resembles a train (including horn and bell), and can be bought for around $60. This makes them a reasonable addition to that $125 engine you bought off of E-bay. |
|
|
|
|
mack0238
Passenger
Send Message
Posts:2
|
| 04 Nov 2009 12:23 PM |
|
I appreciate all the wisdom on different DCC (and DC) systems. As a person new to DCC, I feel more informed now that I understand a few different companies!!!
Thanks,
-Pete in Rochester, MN |
|
|
|
|
Greg Elmassian
1st Class Member
Engineer
Send Message
Posts:14842
|
| 04 Nov 2009 03:44 PM |
|
I was more speaking of the MRC decoders, there are often firmware "quirks" and hardware reliability issues. The sounds on them can be pretty weird.
They just don't seem to have all the kinks worked out of the more sophisticated features, again in the decoders.
Regards, Greg |
|
Be sure to visit my site, lots of technical tips and modifications, and you can search for topics and key words.
Click here for Greg's web site
Note: I'm tired of the acrimony too, so I may not respond or participate in these types of threads. You can email me privately so I can help you without conflict.
PLEASE NOTE: I have disabled Private Messaging, please use regular email: greg@elmassian.com
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
Active Forums 4.2
|
|