Large Scale Central

Train Engineer question

I was in the process of setting up my Train Engineer today. In the directions it says that it will only handle up to 10 amps. Is that true? I’m considering stepping up to a 15 amp power source and see no use if Train Engineer can’t handle it.

True, the Train Engineer has a maximum 10 amp output, and is fuse protected at that value. I still think you would see some improvement with a larger supply if you are getting voltage drop due to overloading of your existing supply.

I think if you could get the desired voltage at the track you would rarely need more than 10 amps. Getting the desired voltage to the track sometimes means having headroom in the supply.

As Jon stated you will be fine. I run the T.E.'s with a Crest 15amp supply and with numerous locos on 2 separate tracks I rarely see more than 5 or 6 amps pulled.

It doesn’t matter what amps your supply puts out. (10 - 15- 20)
The engineer will blow it’s fuse at 10.
What do you run that exceeds 10 amps?
A set of ABA USA PA’s with ten lit USA passenger cars pulls about 6 Amps.

“Scotty, we need more power” J. T. Kirk, Capt.

I won’t have any problems with my engines but there are some members in my club that do run the bigger stuff and I have big curves that would handle it but I don’t think the Train Engineer will. I’ll just stay with a 10 amp power pack and hope they don’t stall out.

Once again you will be fine Doug!

Doug,
the 10 amp capacity is a bit of hype. In linear mode, the maximum is around 6 amps with fan fitted. In PWM mode, then 10 amp capacity is only with the fan fitted. Without the fan then the capacity is roughly half maximums stated.

Who woulda thunk.
Mislead… ummm, err, not fully quantified power claims.

Bit of a hype indeed.

This is similar to the big controversy about the Airwire 10 amp receiver.

The 10 amps is true AT 12 volts. it’s the total POWER that is also a limit, which makes heat.

So the TE most likely will do 10 amps at 12 volts, but it must be less current at 18 volts to keep the total power within the limit of the power handling capability of the output transistors and the product’s ability to dissipate heat.

Regards, Greg

I can remember a MR review of the very first TE that came out advertised as being 10 amps.
In private I was told by the tester they did get 10 amps out.
At 8 volts.
The only rating worth noting is in watts. Or perhaps, VA.

I’m on my second day trying to program this ##### thing!

Doug Arnold said:
I'm on my second day trying to program this ##### thing!
I'm guessing you already set up frequency. So now too set code

1…Turn on transmitter and pick a channel # 1 thru 10 (preferably 1 for the first time setting up)
2…Push and hold the code set button on the receiver until the green light on the receiver comes on.
3…With the light on the receiver illuminated push the A on the transmitter keypad and wait for the receiver light to flash.
4… When receiver light flashes push A again on the transmitter. This should have you linked for the fastest start and stop settings. Once you have this figured out you can go back and change settings.
The first link up is always the most aggravating but I’m writing this from memory so I hope it’s right!
If not I guess I could get up and go look for my instructions but I’ve done it so many times I think it is.

Good Luck
Rooster
:wink:

Thanks Rooster. I think the code is set so we’ll play with the rest tonight!

Your directions worked perfectly. I found one section that I forgot to wire.

Doug Arnold said:
Your directions worked perfectly. I found one section that I forgot to wire.
You ain't that blind ! :)