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 Posted - October 24 2008 : 10:14:57 PM
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I recently bought an older MRC power pack at a trainshow, a Tech II Railmaster 2400.
I was disappointed when I hooked it up and absolutely nothing happened.
Could it be fixed? Or is it like a few cheaper controllers I have, and it's simply dead?
I'd love to get it working. I'm REALLY sick of this cheapo Life-Like piece of junk. 
    
- Matt -
Edited by - MM 1498 on October 26 2008 6:39:28 PM
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Posted - October 24 2008 : 10:20:38 PM
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| MM--if it does not work when plugged in--trash it. it would be cheaper to buy one in working condition than repairing. That pack is a generation 2 MRC from the 80's. They are good packs-seller either didn't know or sold it to you knowing it did not work. When you go to the next train show--plug the pack in and test i t before purchasing. carry a bldg light to attach to the wire inputs for accessories and dc power. I hope you did not get burned on purchase price. Brian
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Posted - October 24 2008 : 10:37:41 PM
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It was $25.
I've seen the guy who sold it to me at most trainshows around, so I think he was honest and did not know it didn't work.
I figured it was trash once there was no power coming out, but thought there might be some hope.
Bummer. 
- Matt -
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Posted - October 24 2008 : 11:09:48 PM
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Was the momentum switch in the on position? If it was the locos won't start instantly and then will move slowly up to speed.
Alco Fan
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Posted - October 24 2008 : 11:15:30 PM
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quote:Was the momentum switch in the on position? If it was the locos won't start instantly and then will move slowly up to speed.
Originally posted by Alco Fan-October 24 2008: 11:09:48 PM
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Hmm I don't think there's a "momentum switch" on this particular model.
There is a switch that says "Pulse", with either On or Off settings.
I'll try the pack out again completely tomorrow.
- Matt -
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Posted - October 24 2008 : 11:22:50 PM
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You are right, the 2500 has the momentum.
Always be safe, don't leave it plugged in if there's any doubt.
Alco Fan
Edited by - Alco Fan on October 24 2008 11:24:50 PM
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Posted - October 25 2008 : 10:42:25 AM
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I bought a Tyco pak 3 witch is basicly a MRC product.
It too did not power up. The problem was the electrical plug.
Only about $1 for a new plug. To bad they don't have a power
light on these.
P.S. Always in need of more pak3's or grey pak 1's for the future.
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Posted - October 25 2008 : 12:23:17 PM
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I tried it again today, and still can't get it to work. Time to trash it I suppose.
- Matt -
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Posted - October 25 2008 : 2:45:14 PM
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Those packs have tamper-proof screws anyway. I have a set of bits that would fit them, but the screw bosses they're in are too narrow for anything but a thin screwdriver. Either trash it, or save it to take back to the guy at the next show.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - October 25 2008 : 3:11:21 PM
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That stinks...I guess these things are like light bulbs when there done there done.
I am kicking myself in the rear for not buying a MRC "something or other"
pack that I saw at a show today...all I know it was the one with the sounds
and it is expensive when you see them retail.
The poor old guy selling it is getting out of the hobby and I should have given him the 30 bucks for it.
BT
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Posted - October 25 2008 : 5:32:09 PM
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quote:Those packs have tamper-proof screws anyway. I have a set of bits that would fit them, but the screw bosses they're in are too narrow for anything but a thin screwdriver. Either trash it, or save it to take back to the guy at the next show.
Originally posted by NickelPlate759-October 25 2008: 2:45:14 PM
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Yeah those screws are bugging me too.
I was able to snap the little tab out of the middle of one of the screws, but not the rest. 
- Matt -
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Posted - October 26 2008 : 12:58:53 PM
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Yeah, I guess MRC has closely guarded trade secrets. I mean, what's in those things anyway, plutonium? Must be all of a diode bridge, capacitor and a regulator. When I was at Northlandz the only way we could replace the panel lamps was to pry the bulb assembly out thru the front panel with a pair of screwdrivers. MRC (which is headquartered in NJ) would sell us the lamps, but not the screwdriver. 
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - October 26 2008 : 3:46:38 PM
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Drill the dam screws out, and replace!!!!
-Gareth
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Posted - October 26 2008 : 4:53:18 PM
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Wow, Gareth needs a chill pill. 
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - October 26 2008 : 5:05:30 PM
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quote:
quote:Wow, Gareth needs a chill pill.
Originally posted by NickelPlate759-October 26 2008: 4:53:18 PM
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No kidding! 
- Matt -
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Posted - October 26 2008 : 6:15:31 PM
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Gee (No pun!); did that sound kinda INTENSE!???
Sorry! 
I was being sarcastic!
-Gareth
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Posted - October 26 2008 : 6:30:29 PM
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All righty then.
To be honest, I was going to drill the screws out anyway. 
I'm not going to now though, I doubt it's worth the effort. I think I'm just going to save up some money for a new pack.
That Tech 4 220 is looking some sharp right about now...
- Matt -
Edited by - MM 1498 on October 26 2008 6:35:17 PM
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