Programming the MRC "Dual Power O27"...

Never had much luck either.  Now I just use it as a large power brick.

necrails posted:

Never had much luck either.  Now I just use it as a large power brick.

Hmm...thanks. 

What strikes me as odd is that (as it states in the instructions) every time you shut this off, it goes back to "0"; I guess that means you have to re-sequence each and every time you turn it on...(?) 

Mark in Oregon

geezmakneez - I've owned a dual 270 for close to 15 years I think but I had no idea about 'programming' it.   Can't wait to start on the Christmas layout so I can get it out and take a look-see at the brochure.

thanks for making me aware of this.

Hmm, just thought of something - is this only on newer versions of the dual 270?

thanks - walt

I have 4 of these transformers and programming the settings works as described in the instructions. Program all 3 settings then put the switch back to Run. Each should work as set. Unfortunately they have to be reset each time the transformer is turned on, but it only takes a few seconds once you know what setting ( what number on the dial) you want for each feature.

AmFlyer posted:

I have 4 of these transformers and programming the settings works as described in the instructions. Program all 3 settings then put the switch back to Run. Each should work as set. Unfortunately they have to be reset each time the transformer is turned on, but it only takes a few seconds once you know what setting ( what number on the dial) you want for each feature.

Thank you, that's good to know. 

I guess where I'm confused most is by the acceleration/deceleration feature; since the train doesn't actually run while you're doing the set-up (at least it doesn't with mine), how do you know which "setting" is correct for a given engine? Is it simply a question of playing with it until you get it right? That's what it seems like to me.

I appreciate your help on this... 

Mark in Oregon

It is just trial and error, but it can be done quickly. When I was operating unmodified AM engines I recall around 40% being acceptable for momentum and brake settings. I tried 90% for braking and the train made 2 loops of the layout until it stopped. The can motors are better with shorter settings than used for the open frame motors in Gilbert Engines as I recall.

Thank you so much Tom. This whole thing reminds me of the "momentum" feature(s) some of my older DC units have.

It appears that the deceleration seems to work better than the acceleration; also, trying to find the "sweet spot" for the starting voltage with the can-motored O scale locos is a bit tricky.

I will play around with this and see how it goes. Thanks again. 

Mark in Oregon

I was gonna edit my previous reply, but thought it might be best just to add another response, in case anyone out there who might have one of these is at all interested. I realize in today's very high tech world, this must seem really low tech, but we work with what we have, right? 

As Tom observed, around 40% seems to be a good setting for the "decel/acel" feature. Locos (both with can motors and field wound) come to a nice, rolling stop at that setting. More messing around with this might provide even better results; we'll have to see. Am not sure in practice how much this actually helps (as opposed to a steady hand on the throttle), but it is a cool feature of what I think is a very nice unit...FWIW. 

Again, my thanks to all who weighed in on this. 

Mark in Oregon