I have ordered the XFR8 transformer from Tony's Train Exchange to power my NCE system. In the NCE owers manual there is a loose page that has been added that talks about "reducing transformer output by 1 to 1.5 volts". It says to build a diode bridge of 5 amps or more that is to be connected to one of the output wires from the transformer BEFORE connecting to the PH-Pro. Is this necessary and highly recommended since the transformer itself has a circuit breaker on the input side as well as the output side? If this should be done, can I purchase the necessary parts at Radio Shack? Has anyone done this? Are there any gotchas to be aware of? Thanks, Michael Dove Grand Junction, CO
As I metioned before, I don't think the diode bridge is needed if you use a transformer from Tony. The best thing to do would be to call (or e-mail) him and ask. I don't see one on our system. ------------------ Corey Lynch Pres - Rensselaer Model RR Society, NEB&W RR http://www.rpi.edu/~lynchc/Railfanning/railfanning.htm - My Site http://www.union.rpi.edu/railroad/ - NEB&W
My NCE manual didn't have that page you refer to and I didn't build any "bridges" and the system has run fine for two years. In fact I have two, one on the big basement railroad driving 6 boosters, and one on the modular layout in the basement with 1 booster. Transformer on the big system I got from a place in Chicago many years ago, it powered the Dynatrol system before DCC. The other has a transformer also from the place in Chicago. Bob Miller
I can't imagine why they would suggest lowering transformer voltage as a "general rule". The NCE modules have voltage regulation internally. If your transformer is putting out too high a voltage (per NCE input specs), then I would consider a diode bridge -- however, the chances that a TTX transformer (a transformer intended for DCC) is putting out too much voltage are very low. If you have a volt meter you can check, but I, like others here, have been using a TTX transformer for over a year with no diodes and no problems
Let me throw this into the mix. I'm using one of Tony's 8 amp power transformer in my system, It's a Lenz 01/3.0. When I installed it It was delivering about 18 volts to the rails, after going through the Lenz. I run SoundTrax decoders and they were generating a lot of heat. I called Debby Ames from Lenz and she suggested the diode bridge as well. She said that most DCC mfg. internal voltage adjustments are only good for 1 to 2 volts, as is Lenz's. She suggested if I could use a diode bridge to get it to between 15 and 16 V then the internal adjustment would bring me down to about 14 V. I've done that and everything runs much cooler. ------------------ When in doubt, empty your magazine. Member #33
