Your opinion on the MTH z4000 and the MRC Pure Power Dual

I have a three Z-4000's and a ZW-C with 4 bricks.  I strongly prefer the Z-4000 for many reasons, especially the voltage and amperage readouts.  I find the breakers on the ZW are a little too sensitive and I've never had an electronics failure due to the slightly delayed tripping of the Z-4000 breakers in the event of a derailment.  Other folks have had some issues with MRC transformers running conventional locomotives, especially those with QSI electronics.  You're mileage may vary.

MTH specifically recommended against the MRC for DCS when I was at the ASC training a few years ago.  I was a bit surprised as it's a pretty generic transformer, but they claimed there were operational issues at times.

Just another data point.

I have heard similar issues about the MRC John, but the person that told me that is hard core Lionel. He doesn't like MRC and really doesn't like MTH.

Pat, I looked at your website your layout is fantastic.

DennyM,

     Picking a Transformer is definitely a individual Engineering opinion, Guns and I have bantered back and forth about Brick type Transformers for many years.  He likes the bricks, I probably will never own one.    Both type of Transformers get the job done quite well, each in a little different way.  

I highly recommend a Z4K, in fact more than one.

PCRR/Dave

I have the MRC with no DCS problems. I have had problems with a PS3 engine, but not related to the transformer.

FWIW John, I can't really understand why the MRC would affect DCS.  I had the MRC Pure Power Dual 270, and I took it apart to see what was in there.  A large toroid transformer with dual wipers and a sea of diodes to the whistle and bell circuits.  I can't imagine how that affects DCS.

When I go to York in October, it's going to boil down to cost. This year I have a list of things I'm looking for and a transformer is at the top.

I use a MRC dual power that I bought used. I run TMCC and DCS--- no problems.

I shelved my ZW and type V.

Al W.

I also use an MRC with DCS---no problems.

Supports my contention that it's hard to imagine how it could affect DCS.  I'd like to know how MTH came to that conclusion.

I had the MRC a few years ago, I run conventional with legacy, tmcc, ps1,2,3 etc. It was inconsistent and I replaced it with Z-1000s that are fine across all of these platforms.

John H posted:

I also use an MRC with DCS---no problems.

I've never seen a MRC transformer duel before

But I do have a MRC Dual, along with two Lionel PH135s , and a MTH Z1000 brick. No issues with any of them, none.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 I'd like to know how MTH came to that conclusion.

I have a theory, but it's not very nice.  

JGL

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Supports my contention that it's hard to imagine how it could affect DCS.  I'd like to know how MTH came to that conclusion.

Maybe because MTH doesn't sell the MRC?  

I think it has been a long time since any of the magazines did a transformer article.  Would make for a good update!

I think the MRC Dual is the most economical of the bunch and that is why I purchased one several years ago for my layout.  I do like the dual amp/volt gauges.  I bought a second MRC to power an expansion of my conventional layout, but since I am moving to Legacy have decided to keep it as a spare.

Jim

JohnGaltLine posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 I'd like to know how MTH came to that conclusion.

I have a theory, but it's not very nice.  

JGL

Gentlemen,

    I have been wondering for along time why the MRC Dual is not on the MTH DCS Transformer list.  I was told long ago that it's not the DCS TIU, but something about the P1 engines and some of the P2 engines that is the problem when using the MRC, however whether this is actually true I have no idea.

PCRR/Dave

I don't understand MTH not liking the MRC either? I thought the MRC was supposed to be a good pure sine wave transformer? I am sold on the Lionel PH-180's for powering all my trains. IMO, those can't be beat for fast breakers, power output and value. However, I do like the looks, size, power rating and prices of the big MRC. I have been thinking about getting one to use for all my accessory power.

I agree with the poster above about one of the magazines doing a review comparing the ZW-L, Z-4000, MRC and including their test results. I would also think that should be an article of interest to many readers. I remember the OGR ZW-L review, but none of the others, at least since I got back in the hobby a few years ago anyway?

I have been using the MRC Dual for years with my TMCC and Legacy engines and have never had any problems.

Rick