[MrStucky]

Hi Everyone.
Do I need to try another power pack? I'm currently using an MRC 1370 power pack that I purchased along with other train stuff over the holidays. I'm getting readings of 8V when I know around 14V is preferred. I know this is a low power pack as I found out browsing other posts here at the site. I can get my good SW1500 to run, while other trains aren't moving at all due to overdue maintenance or that I haven't corrected my track issues.
Thanks

 

[CTValleyRR]

Hi Everyone.
Do I need to try another power pack? I'm currently using an MRC 1370 power pack that I purchased along with other train stuff over the holidays. I'm getting readings of 8V when I know around 14V is preferred. I know this is a low power pack as I found out browsing other posts here at the site. I can get my good SW1500 to run, while other trains aren't moving at all due to overdue maintenance or that I haven't corrected my track issues.
Thanks

That powerpack should deliver 15V at full output (rheostat set to 100%). Make sure your voltmeter is set for DC and measure the output at the output terminals. If you're not getting close to 15V, then the unit is defective and you should exchange it.

If you are, then measure at each junction along the way. Start with the ends of your bus wires (if any), measure where each set of feeders joins the track, and halfway between each set of feeders. The place with the low voltage is where you have a bad connection or power drop that needs to be addressed.

And before you do anything else, make sure the problem is not dirty track or wheels (by actually cleaning, not by just assuming it must be because it's new, recently cleaned, or whatever).

What gauge wires are you using for the bus and feeders?

 

[CTValleyRR]

OTOH, I see on some other folks threads that this is a "low power" unit, despite the fact the MRC's literature says 15V, maybe you will find that it really doesn't...

 

[MrStucky]

I think I just had the connections wrong. I cranked up the power pack to full then checked every joint on my layout, & noticed I was getting on average 15+ Volts. I got the same results when I checked the outputs. I used my sw1500 to test my layout & its alot faster than before, but its takes a little nudge to go from the rerailer. I'm going to take out the turnouts I put in & setup a simple oval.