@obxtrainman posted:Ok, I appreciate everyone’s input. But no one actually answered my question. What tells us as a laymen which transformer/power source is providing pure DC? I provided a pic. I don’t care about what does what. Are the two transformers in the pic adequate for my purpose?
In researching Piko requirement I found this link and title blurb.
https://www.piko-america.com/p...38231-prr-mogul-loco
* Analog DC operation requires well-filtered "pure" DC power supply/control. Poorly filtered DC, pulsed power or PWC will cause problems.
From a sideways picture, I was able to guess that the left transformer is a MRC 6200. To figure out the guts of that since the manual was not telling me much other than voltage and power of what it could do rating wise, I found this page. http://www.trainelectronics.com/MRC_6200/
Bottom line, I didn't see any bulk DC capacitors for filtering in that transformer and so while it appears to be passbank using 2 large BJT transistors, again, my bet is, the DC output is not filtered. So I'm guessing no, this transformer failed to meet the requirements.
So then searching for the left transformer where I believe it also has the MRC logo and style, I had to google MRC DC throttle pack, look at pictures, and guess which model it is. I came up with MRC Power AG990 https://www.modelrectifier.com...ower%20G%20AG990.pdf
That explains some of the transformer construction
FEATURES
• 10 continuous Amps for massive power
• Large pilot light and overload LEDs
• Heavy-duty reverse switch
• Rugged cabinetry with slide transformer for smooth linear control • Large throttle handle looks and feels like the real thing
• Fixed 22 VDC output terminals for accessories
• Heavy-duty wire attachment lugs. No tools needed.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Input: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Output: 0 ~ 22 VDC variable for track, 22 VDC for accessories 10 Amps sustained power output
To me this sounds like the typical MRC transformer with a mechanical slider or tab arm, and then just a bg honking DC rectifier and switches. On mylargescale, I found a user said this "I have heard horror stories that 10 amp units can be hard on a sound system."
Another user confirmed the construction details: "the mrc AG 990 is a very old school power pack as it has no electronics .......... it is just a variable transformer and a full wave bridge"
Bottom line, between those 2 statements, I would say not just no, but heck no don't use that with an expensive Piko that demands pure DC.
Further, I just looked at starter sets to see what they were using https://www.piko-america.com/c...assenger-starter-set
- Analog/DC track power set with R/C pocket remote controller
- controller includes Fixed DC Accessory Power
- R/C system has over 80' range
- 8 Easily selectable channels
So again, no, I would not recommend using either of those units. to power these new PIKO analog DC capable trains as they seem to have a pretty strict requirement and straying from that could cause damage.
In fact, being honest, I had a little trouble reading up what even PIKO recommends. Obviously they have a solution for the starter sets with the remote control, and I found this pre-order pure DC rated unit a forum sponsor Trainworld https://www.trainworld.com/sho...ure-dc-w-remote.html
