How I Installed an Amp & Volt Meter on My D.C. Layout.

A quick video showing how to install analog volt and amp meter to your H.O. scale D.C. powered model train layout. Volt & amp meters are very useful in diagnosing locomotive motor and continuity electrical problems also.
Model Rectifier Corporation
MRC Control Master 2.0
How to install meters on a MRC transformer
How to upgrade Model Rectifier Corporation's transformers.
How to install meters on a H.O. layout.
How to install power meters on a model railroad
#classicmodeltrains
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1507 Old Hardin Road
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@classicmodeltrains
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@RonsClassicRVs

[@jebbohanan2626]

I’ve seen a few “How To” videos about installing these meters. Your video is much more simple and easier to understand. Looks like I’ll be installing meters into my layout soon! Thanks man!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Cool Jeb! Glad I could help out :-)

[@donaldlamendola8294]

Very informative, and I deeply enjoyed your video. You have a nice collection of vintage HO Trains, and a real nice layout. Thank you for sharing Ron, and have a blessed day!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@TWIGYBNSF]

I got that exact MRC control master! Very great transformer. Nice to know about adding the meters! Thanks for sharing this!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to help! Also glad to hear others still running good ol DC!!

[@bradwb6192]

Very handy addition. Nice work. I can see where these would be useful now. Learn something everyday...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your support B.B.

[@hestheMaster]

Good coverage on both a Controlmaster 20 with terminal strip connections for adding meters and some basic rewiring for a power pack that doesn't come with those connections. Very clear and concise explanations sir!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Sir for leaving such a nice comment and giving me valuable feedback on my work!!

[@SantaFeBob]

I use this MRC unit for everything. I have (4) of them and never noticed the extra options on the unit. Great demonstration and ideas. Thank you for posting.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AllenCNW441]

I, too, have two MRC Control Master 20s - always will be a DC guy - have two spares, just in case. Also, have a couple of Hoggers - also good units.

[@silvertrain7945]

Thanks for putting out this video. I have reviewed it several times. Tonight I finally made the modifications to my MRC Tech II power pack. Your diagram was different on the direction switch, but with careful testing with a DVOM, and making my own schematic it worked perfectly first try. Thanks again!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad it was helpful. Your the first Feller who has commented that you modified a normal transformer with out the gauge hook ups. The meters are so nice when diagnosing loco's

[@rwheatley0206]

Great video Ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@billclark81]

Thanks Ron. I just saw this, it is great. Based on seeing your console I did this too

[@classicmodeltrains]

Very cool! Glad I helped inspire you :-)

[@TheWickerShireProject]

Clean install. Perfectly explained / wired and executed. I enjoyed this video! Smash that thumbs up!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the nice compliment WSP!!

[@user-vv3nn4jc3w]

Krikey, that was straight forward…thanks for explaining the install…my first train set was a Lionel HO Husky switcher…the transformer was barebones, but my Dad installed some wiring to give me the AC for accessories like switch machines for the layout we built…circa 1960…still have it all…

[@classicmodeltrains]

Love the 60's when Dad's knew how to make stuff better!! Cool you still have it all :-)

[@user-vv3nn4jc3w]

@@classicmodeltrains yes, but I should have paid more attention…too soon old, too late smart…

[@wlp582001]

Hi I am enjoying your videos and I bought one of those mrc Control master 20 from ebay and bought both amp and volt gauges from Amazon. I have been collecting ho scale trains since the 1990's. I repair and customize diesel and steam trains.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on! That power control is really nice for DC. Amp and volt gauges help with diagnostic methods. Glad to run into another model locomotive mechanic:-)

[@TimsBitsnPieces]

A great and informative video with little guff which these days is rife.. Thanks for the info and just what I needed/wanted to do on my old controller. I have an old power supply that I intend to use for doing problem solving issues with engines etc...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad it was helpful Tim!

[@sort187]

Hey there! I bought a Master 20 after seeing yours. I like it. The only issue I had was the heat sink got loose during shipment (let's go with that). I ended up using some needle nose vice grips to get hold of those damned fastners...lol... after fixing the heat sink, I used some smaller sheet metal screws to button everything up. It works like a dream, I mean absolute butter! MRC doesn't disappoint.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!! I had to do some surgery to mine also. I bought it DOA. The hardest part was trying to get those damn screws out. I did the same with sheet metal screws to hold it together. It is a great transformer and has a very sensitive and very fast short circuit protection. MRC gets my vote every time!!

[@mobahartenholm9289]

Hy Ron. This is a pretty good solution for being informed all the time whats going up on track by using them. I did it seperate on a sort of diagnostic track. I can pick up each axle seperate. May be its nessesary for special european stuff, because there very often pickups on every axle. If I investigate a new old loko it helps to find out whats going on and lokate some fails. It also helps before I converting the loco to dcc. Regards from germany - Rainer

[@classicmodeltrains]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing :-)

[@w.rustylane5650]

I really like the MRC Model Controlmaster 20, however, they are no longer available. Only found 2 on eBay and one was for parts and the other was untested. Thanks for the tip on wiring up the volt meter and ammeter to a single controller like the Tech 7 MRC; I think I have that one. Cheers from eastern TN

[@classicmodeltrains]

There great controllers. Mine was broke when I bought it. had to fix to get to work

[@davestahlschmidt3766]

Thank you for the information about where I can get a set of meters like the ones that you installed

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to help Dave!!

[@SleeperBBQ]

TY I think I'll have to get to you on this one

[@classicmodeltrains]

OK.

[@BriansModelTrains]

Thank you for video. I would like to open my MRC Tech II 2500 transformer but unable to find the correct tool for the job. Any idea where I can find one and the name of it. My HO layout is DC and DCC as well. UPDATE: I used a jewellers flat head screw driver and twisted with pliers.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup. Thats kinda what I had to do. Those are security screws to keep people from opening them up and electrocuting themselves.

[@PapaMav]

Great vid, but unless one has the same power pack you have, I can't see taking 2 power packs apart (for when one has duel cab setup) to do this, to really be worth the trouble.

[@classicmodeltrains]

volt gauge (s) would be super easy to install and yes twice the work to install amp gauges but if a Feller really wanted them.........

[@chuckholsclaw6829]

So you can only read voltage and amps on the dc setting ? How would hook those up using dcc? Chuck

[@classicmodeltrains]

Correct. The big gauges only work on the DC side. DCC puts out 15 volts of DC positive and then negative volts on each rail in a timed manner that can only be seen with an oscilloscope, so a volt meter would never do a guy any good because its full volts whenever it's turned on. Check out this link, they do a great job of answering DCC questions. dccwiki.com

[@qwincyq6412]

I’ve been wondering if I can add an old small meter to the output of my MRC Tech 2 to watch the amps. Maybe just cut the probe ends off the wires and wire it into the circuit?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well in this video awards the end I show how to install an amp gauge into a transformer that has no provision for one. A guy has to be able to read schematics and use a multi-meter to do a successful modification like this. But it's really not that hard to do.

[@qwincyq6412]

@@classicmodeltrains yes I saw that. I was hoping to do something where I didn’t have to open the MRC or alter it in any way

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@qwincyq6412 an amp gauge could be installed in the wire between the transformer and the track. It would have to swing both ways because the DC voltage reverses with the reverse switch. Get a gauge with zero in the center and +5 amps on the right and -5 amps on the left. And remember this is installed in only 1 of the 2 wires.

[@chuckholsclaw6829]

I have a dcc layout that I want to add an amp meter to. I have an nce powercab but even though my powercab displays amps, I have a sb-5 smart booster and that cancels out the amp display feature on the powercab. I could buy one from dcc specialties, but they are about $100. Chuck

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup. Them DCC amp meters are a bit more fancy that's for sure!

[@joelibertelli7866]

If I cut the wire for the AMP meter connection ;then how does the voltmeter work?

[@classicmodeltrains]

The "juice" flows THRU the amp meter gauge, then continues on out to the voltmeter gauge, and eventually to your track.

[@N_scale]

Ok video idea. You have a conversation between 2021 Ron and 2024 Ron You can use edited clips of what 2021 ron said as answers or replies to 2024 ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@N_scale]

@@classicmodeltrains shit make it 22 mins and it’s a television pilot