BACHMANN LARGE SCALE POWER PACK No.44213

[twojags]

I have bought a Bachmann Large Scale Power Pack and Speed Controller (Cat.No. 44213) for a G Scale layout. However, on reading the description printed on the top  of the hobby transformer it says that the output is "AC16V". I had always believed that the correct operating voltage for these trains is 0 - 16v DC?  Can you please confirm that it is safe to use for DC (not DCC) locomotives or have I received the wrong transformer?
Many thanks - I don't fee that safe with electrical items.

[Jon D. Miller]

It's safe.  This unit is for large scale.  It is not DCC compatible.

You are reading the wall unit output.  It's the controller that "manages" DC voltage going to the track.

Plug it in, connect controller to track, run your train and don't worry about it.

One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD

[Joe Satnik]

Dear TJ,

The output of the wall-wart transformer is indeed AC. 

The diodes in the controller change it to the proper DC track voltages. 

Unplug when not in use, as the output of the controller goes only as low as 1.25 volts.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,10227.0.html

(Scroll to bottom.)

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

[twojags]

Thank you very much for the information and the useful link. Diodes eh - who would have thought.  Much appreciated.
John

[airferber]

It's safe.  This unit is for large scale.  It is not DCC compatible.
...
JD

I was wondering how or why the controller is not DCC compatible.  Is it because it is not compatible with the E-Z command system?  or is it not safe to run large scale engines with Dual-mode DCC decoders onboard as well?

-Aaron

[g-guage_trains]

The new sets have a transformer hooked to the AC wall output and a controller that convert AC to DC.
alanrr