Any thoughts on Tomix's forthcoming Power Unit (N400) ??

[Hobby Dreamer]

Hi Guys...

Tomix is about to release a new Power Unit and tram loop combo:
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10136551

Its not clear what this unit does (e.g. power lights or DCC etc) but there are a few threads on Tomix Power Units that voice some concerns with Kato/DCC etc.

My questions are:
1) Can this be used in Canada? It says:

"For running 0 ~ 8.5V, TCS output connection point of the control box switches ※ Built-in two-point operations are not allowed."

- but that means nothing to me !?!?!?!?

2) Would this unit have momentum or equivalent, based on similar units and your experience/knowledge.

3) are there any caveats/concerns?  Is this worth getting?


I am thinking about going Tomix Tram track as a test track. Tomix track seems ideal for tram yards or freight yards, anyway, and the tight radii is good for other apps such as those Peter Witt trams that just came out. I wont be doing DCC. I'm actually thinking about having independent loops until we get turnouts so this will minimize operation hassles. As such an extra power unit can come in handy!

Thanks
Rick

[bill937ca]

Tomix is always DC.

[David]

This is the same power unit that comes with the mini-curve starter set. It has no advanced features like momentum, and in fact is under powered (8.5V instead of 12V). While it can power some full sized trains, it is really targeted at TomyTec powered units. It has 2 built in ports for plugging in Tomix switches, but has no connector for attaching more Tomix blue switchboxes.

This is really meant as a beginner/TomyTec controller.

[Hobby Dreamer]

This is really meant as a beginner/TomyTec controller.

Thanks David!  I was contemplating this unit since it seemed a Tomix controller would be simple for installation for Tomix tram track provided it had some features beyond the basic..

If it had momentum or the ability to power supply accessories then it might have been worth it..

Always get good info here at JNS!!

Thanks
Rick

[brill27mcb]

Description here, at the very bottom, which puts things into English:

http://www.trainweb.org/tomix/control/TomixControlSystems.htm

Since there is no "CL" in the name, it does not have the Tomix constant lighting 12V high-frequency pulses, just ordinary DC power. A friend in my club has one and it works fine. The max of 9 volts or so is enough for adequate speed for almost any trains or trams. If you are concerned about the difference between 100 VAC input in Japan and 120 VAC in Canada, you might want to power it through a small 120 to 100 AC converter.

Rich K.