:tb-biggrin: Purchased a new Powercab from the LHS Friday. While awaiting decoders to arrive I thought I would admire my new acquisition. Upon inspection of the wall wart I noticed the output was 13.5 volts, 1.35 amps DC. I thought this unit was rated at 1.5 amps continuous, 2 amps peak. Not that 1.35 amps won't meet my needs, but how does one get the rated amps from such a small power supply? My second question, I thought DCC systems operated on AC. If this one truly does operate on DC, can I use one of the heavier DC power supplies I have laying around? I'm not wanting to overpower the Powercab, it just seems consuming 50% of available power is preferable to using 80%. Charlie
I don't remember where, but I do seem to remember reading that although the power supply stated a lower amperage it was tested at the higher amperage for several hours with no problems. DO NOT use a higher rated power supply. My understanding is the Power Cab does not have overload protection, but instead relies on the overload protection built in to the power supply.
I have had a Power Cab for over two years. After your post I checked to see what my power supply was rated for. It is 1.11 Amps at 13.5 VDC. Been running up to 6 locomotives at the same time and never a problem. You will see AC voltage on the tracks. All of the power goes through the hand held unit. It is sending the AC volts out. It is a square wave output so it will be hard to read with a regular DVM. You should not hae any problems. Have fun with your new DCC system
I'll second Woodone, I have the same rating on mine and have pushed it with seven N scale locos on a layout with 2% grades, no issues. Your good to go, enjoy. By the way I hear that now if you expand to an SB3 command station the Powercab recall stack moves to 6. Hope thats correct. I may send mine in for the upgrade.
Congratulations on your latest acquisition! The wall wart that is supplied with the PowerCab is underrated and is designed to shut down when the current draw exceeds the 1.7A (DCC) the PowerCab is rated at. You will not have problems using the OEM power supply. I wouldn't recommend a different power supply at all in this instance. John, it's been rumoured the SB3A may have the 6 stack recall and possibly 5A rating. SApparently, it will still have 4 addresses only. It would be nice if that was upgraded to 6 to cover the cab bus connected accessories like the USB interface and upcoming add-on modules (mini panel, etc) and still have a couple of extra throttles. If not, the next upgrade path will be the command station only and you'll essentially have the full system.
Enjoy your new Power Cab. I have had one for two years. I am very happy with it. I also added a SB3 smart booster. Here is an add on that may interest you if you need more amps at a later date http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/product.php?productid=999003266&cat=0&page=1
Here is a little homework for you. You will see the DCC waveform is plus minus 14 volts square wave. That is also how AC looks but no square wave form. AC is equal transitions also. If you ever need a quicker answer, use Google to search for what you would like such as dcc waveform or dcc trains, dcc locomotives, dcc lighting. Many ways to search the 'Net. You can build a huge collection of Favorites in your browser. Great learning experience. All About DCC -- Part 1 Lex
welcome to the powercab club I'd recommend this next! http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/PROD/NCE-223 once you program via JMRI(http://jmri.sourceforge.net/), you won't want to do it any other way
Agreed that the use of Decoderpro will help immensely in your enjoyment. If you do order the interface be sure to get the correct cord. They are not cheap but some electronics come with them so look around the house first.
Many Thanks :tb-biggrin: Thanks guys! Got some great input here. Sounds like no worries to me. :thumbs_up:
TCS decoders have arrived! Installed the easy one so far, my what a difference. Now I know why you guys love your DCC so much.
