Good afternoon...I read a thread on the Atlas forum asking about running a DCC loco on a non-DCC layout and one comment said that decoders prefer non-pulsing DC power. I am ready to get a new DC powerpack and would like to know what brand and model all of you would recommend that has non-pulsing DC power. Thanks for your help.
Most of the power packs that are available today are non-pulsing. I would recommend any of the MRC transistorized throttles, with the Momentum and Brake features. MRC does make a Pulse Power Pack and it's clearly marked as such. Although highly refined as compared to early pulse power packs...I would stay away from it. Exception being, it is a great power source for many of the older locomotives that ran larger motors and required more amp's to get them rolling. I did note a brand new German made product that sports Pulse Power. Since, because... I have no experience with it, I will decline to make any comments pointed toward said product. Pulse power is pretty much a thing of the past and should be left there. It's old technology and as such isn't needed in today's model railroad world. I hope that helps.
Most of them are clearly marked as such..."Pulse Power". There has been some confusion in the ranks with regard to Momentum and Brake types of features. This is not "Pulse Power" by any stretch of the imagination. It is a highly refined memory chip combined with a transistorized throttle that controls the output of your power pack. Does that help?
Momentum and Brake Features Most transistorized (or electronic) throttles with momentum and brake features have a very large capacitor in the output circuit that charges up when you increase the throttle setting, changing the output slowly. As the capacitor charges, the output goes up at the rate of the capacitor's time constant. Conversely, when you decrease the throttle setting, the capacitor discharges at the time constant rate. The brake function, via a momentary pushbutton, interrupts the output circuit, causing the output voltage to momentarily drop, mimicking the application of brakes. Some throttles have an "emergency" button in addition, which causes the output voltage to drop to zero instantaneously. I have used transistorized throttles of various manufacturers and vintages, including some I built, on my locomotives with no ill effects noted. Some have been marked as pulse units, and I haven't seen any difference. As noted, most of the currently available throttles don't use pulse power due to problems encountered with the newer, more efficient can motors. So, if you're running newer or high-end locomotives, I'd advise steering clear of pulse-power throttles. Don
