Power Pack Input

Yes, you can connect the Aristo Craft Ultima to the MRC Prodigy DCC, but you will NOT get 10A of current out of the MRC Prodigy DCC. The DCC output from the MRC Prodigy DCC is only 3 1/2 A. The MRC Prodigy DCC is not recommended for large scale operation. If you are considering converting to DCC, you need to look into a system that can use a 10A booster. NCE and Easy DCC both offer systems with 10A boosters.

Also to be able to run DCC each locomotive has to have a decoder, and since you are running G Scale, you will need to install large scale decoders in your locomotives either from NCE or Digitrax.

Larry Madson LM electronic Services LLC

IIRC, the Prodigy is not rated for 10amps, so it may be risky to do that. It all depends on how well the overload protection works within the Prodigy. With a 10amp source, the Prodigy will attempt to provide up to 10amps output. In fact, a 10amp source can briefly supply a good deal more than 10 amps.... OTOH, if the Prodigy is in fact rated for 10mps output, there should be no problem at all.

I suggest that you use the power pack on a separate circuit to control the building lights, turnouts, signals, etc. Just make sure you use circuit breakers or other overload protection as needed. A short circuit of 10 amps at 18V can start a fire (180watts is _hot_.)

From what I have seen here the Prodigy has a rating of 3.5 amps output. The Prodigy will only pull enough current to make that 3.5 amps from the source, or in this case the Aristo Craft power supply. This might actually be a little bit over 3.5 amps as the Prodigy needs some power to operate.

The only thing that you might want to do is place a fuse in series between the power supply and the Prodigy. I would recommend a 5 amp fast blow fuse.

The way that the power supply works is much like the power in ones home. The outlet in a new home is quite often wired to a 20 amp breaker. But when one plugs a device into that outlet it doesn't get 20 amps forced through its internals. It only draws what it needs to operate.

The rating on the power supply indicates that it has an output voltage of

18 volts. That is at the lower end of the required input rating of the Prodigy. That is one of the important numbers to look at when hooking items to power supplies.

In general, first look at ratings of unit that will be the load, in this case that is the Prodigy. It gives voltage and current ratings that it requires to operate properly.

Next look at ratings of power supply. It will have specifications indicating what it puts out for power and current.

If the power supply has the correct voltage output and the current rating is high enough to satisfy the load it will work. If the power supply cannot make enough current to satisfy the load, then it will not work because it is likely that the voltage would drop as the current out of the power supply went beyond the rating.

Thanks. I've seen the EasyDCC website and they return e-mails. I'm, on your reccomendation, looking into NCE. What do you, anyone, know about Lenz (lenz.com)?

Regards

That idea of using the power pack on a separate circuit seems to be the way I'll still get use of my Aristo investment.

Greatly appreciated.

Sorry I didn't mention Lenz, look into a a Set 01/10 which is a controller, command station and a 10A booster. This would also be an excellent choice.

Larry Madson LM Electronic Services