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Just received a Starr-Tec MW100 walk around throttle system as a gift. Only problem is the unit has a final output of 30 vdc, more for G scale. I'm using HO scale. Issue, how can I reduce the final output voltage of 30 vdc to 14 vdc max for use on HO scale. Want to use the system so as not to offend the gift giver, who also controls the railroad operating budget (you know who I'm referring too). Help please.
Thank you.
That unit came from Ebay. The guy that sells them don't make them anymore. He owns a Lock co. & sells locks on Ebay. Can you show a picture of the unit. I think that's the one I am using on my DC-HO scale layout. It's the same voltage & everything as the MRC CM-20 walkaround. THe CM20 has a switch to chg. from HO to G. 2 or 3 times my CM20 has been switched to G scale w/out me knowing it by other guys that run on my layout & it didn't make any diff. since I don't run my trains full blast. Now, I have a master switch that turns both walkarounds off & on.
Attached is picture of connection end of unit. Hopefully there is a simple way to reduce final output voltage to approx 14 vdc using maybe radioshack components.
Attached is picture of connection end of unit. Hopefully there is a simple way to reduce final output voltage to approx 14 vdc using maybe radioshack components.
That's a Hogger. I use 2 of those on my layout & I've never had any problems.
The last year they were made was about 1988. I didn't buy mine off Ebay, I bought them from a Forum member & he was using them on his HO scale layout. Why do you think they are 30 amps? I think I might have the paperwork for mine.
I was concerned over the 30 volt dc output at full throttle. Feared that voltage would damage my HO locomotives. Would you consider sharing a copy of your paper work for the unit if you have it? Thanks.
Like a lot of stuff made for Model Rail Roads, I suspect that has never gone through UL or CE. Anything that uses connection to the power outlet should. Especially stuff with only a 2-wire ungrounded cord. If I used it, I would never leave it plugged in when leaving the room.
I was concerned over the 30 volt dc output at full throttle. Feared that voltage would damage my HO locomotives. Would you consider sharing a copy of your paper work for the unit if you have it? Thanks.
On the back of the orange box where the connections are is a switch that says Hi & Low. Put that on Lo & that is HO scale.(mine doesn't have that switch). A friend that is an Electronics person did a test on mine & he told me the highest DC voltage that mine put out was 12 volts. You need to hook up a Volt Meter to the output side of the transformer going to the plus side of the tracks to see what your highest voltage is at full throttle.
I found the paperwork for these transformers & if you want a copy, PM me your address & I'll send you a copy. I've never figured out what the MW stands for on those walkarounds. They also never made a 60MW, but I have one. I have the 40, 60 & 100. Or did, I sold one to a Forum member last year.
I checked my unit just a few minutes ago & the output voltage is way to high for HO. At half throttle it's 15 volts & full throttle it's 30 plus volts. Amperage is between 3 & 6 amps. That's to high for HO also.
So, I won't be using mine anymore either until I can find a fix for it. I hadn't hurt any of my engines yet, but, may happen.
