It seems that the power supply for the two different types of sound equiped engines I have may be inadequate. I have both PCM E7's and an Athearn Challenger which draw a lot of power when using the 'bells & whistles'. They tend to slow down some in DC mode when the special effects are used... particularly the E7's. On one of the "Challenger" threads it was noted that the MRC 280 (a dual cab power pack) was not powerful enough to handle the power needs of sound equiped locos. It is also mentioned by Athearn's instructions to NOT use a power supply that is too powerful because it could damage the electronics in the engines. So, for sound equiped locos, what would be appropriate if one is NOT using a DCC power supply; AND, what would be appropriate if one is using a DCC power supply?
Jose: There are no problems running the Challengers on DCC systems. I have three new Challengers and have been running two, each pulling a 28 car train on the long 2% grades of the JJJ&E. Stay cool and run steam.....
I kind-of figured that DCC power supplies could handle the extra power that these engines devour. I think I'm slowly being drawn towards DCC... just so I can enjoy the Challengers full potential. I got my other Challenger yesterday... runs great... but the damned DC controlling device only works when I get within inches of the tender. Sheeeshhhh! I'm beginning to like the method PCM uses with their sound equiped locos MUCH MORE. IIRC... with DCC you can ditch the damned DC controlling device... right? it's not needed for DCC running... is it?
Take the plunge to DCC. It's not the best thing since sliced bread but it will run your trains with power and consistency, if you use decoders that have no quirks. As for Athearn's DC controlling device, it is not needed for DCC running. I don't think it can be, but then I haven't tried it. Maybe I should. Ben
I have two of the Challengers And I run DC. I use a Control Master 20 and the smallest of the MRC packs. I've had no trouble with either running the locos. The hand held remote works very well too. I can be 10 away and it works fine. It does take more juice to run them, but it's not a problem at all.
Jose: You don't need the Dc controlling device for DCC. I have three that are still in the boxes. Stay cool and run steam.....
Here's a casual observation with my PCM sound equipped E7 using DC - this time using the Crest Basic Train Engineer wireless radio control system. The power pack I'm using for this is rated for 18 VDC output. Light came on and sound system came on at approximately 15 volts. Engine sounds cycled OK, and engine started to move slowly - then built up to an acceptable speed. The only problem encountered was on one of my ME turnouts - engine and sound system shut down, then restarted, and began moving again. In reducing speed of the engine, engine went into the idle mode at approx. 6 volts, shutdown completely at 5 volts. Control of the engine was better using the MRC Tech II (I gave a report on it in another thread), but not bad - probably has to do with "pulsing" from the Train Engineer system.
