Powering Digitrax Boosters and Command Stations

I have an extra DB150 booster that I would like to power. I could simply buy a PS514 from digitrax but I figured there might be a cheaper way.

I asked Digitrax if I could power two DB150s from the same PS514. They said no, buy the expensive unit PS2012 which can power multiple boosters. That is also not a viable option because on the larger layouts like the Amherst Model Railway Show I need my boosters spread out over the layout. Also if I was hesitant to spend $59, why would spending $179 make me happy?

Being a pack rat, I rummaged through one of my boxes of electronic junk. I found a couple of Dell laptop power supplies rated for 19 or so volts and 6.7 amps. These were spares for laptops that had long since been decommissioned. Why do I have them? Because I hate throwing away electronics.

Since these sounded kind of close the input requirement for the DB150, I asked Digitrax if they might work. They responded, "test it". I was kind of amused. Did they mean "try it and if your db150 catches fire that is your tough luck" or did they mean "it should work and if it explodes we are super sorry and will replace it for you".

Well every interaction I have had with Digitrax in the past has been quite good. And I have interacted with them a bunch as I manage DCC for the local NTRAK club - www.northeastntrak.org, so with some tripdation I cut off the plug from the old Dell power unit and wired it into the DB 150.

It worked perfectly. I think these Dell units are actually pretty good quality so I am feeling good.

My only question for my fellow wire-heads. Did I embed a time bomb? Is there going to be an issue down the line from the Dell PS providing too much or too little power to the DB-150? Also would it work with the 8 amp Digitrax gear like a DCS 200? Or is the 6.7 amp output just too far short?

Any thoughts on my jury-rigged power setup would be welcome.

 

Here's the specs for a DB150. http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps...boosters/db150/documents/Spec Sheet DB150.pdf
Your laptop supply will be OK to power it. Laptop supplies are usually regulated outputs so you can count on the output voltage being the rated value. I would look at the location of the DB150. The excess voltage will be dissipated as heat. Make sure you have decent air flow around the cooling fins. This also depends on the load. Our typical NTRAK layout doesn't usually have enough load to cause excess heat but your situation may be different.

However, the 6.7 amps will be too low for an 8 amp booster. Powering an 8 amp booster with a less than adequate power supply will cause the booster's short circuit protection to malfunction. It can't trip if it can't get enough amps to see the over-current situation. 6 amps on a shorted wheel will weld metal and melt plastic. Trying to pull more then 6.9 amps from your power supply may also damage it. I

'm not impressed with the Digitrax 2012 for use with NTRAK either. Both the price and I don't like having a large centrally located power supply. I like each booster to have its own supply located close if not right next to the booster. I've always looked at NTRAK as modular, even the power equipment should be modular. There are other supplies available including some laptop supplies that will work. They are also reasonably priced.

Martin Myers

 

This is why I have kept any wall warts that are of the outputs that Digitrax items need. Bought the Digitrax one with my system (2007) and the rest have been from my stock, except for one bought from Radio Shack. Now I have 3 more from recently dead electronics.
Never tried to use a computer power source as I had the Wallwarts.

 

I would look at finding a regulated switching power supply from a well known company such as MeanWell or Weidmuller, they are going to be pricey though. A 10A Weidmuller 20VDC PSU is about $180 USD.

 

Meanwell is about $50, not pricey