I've been using an old power-pack for supplying power to my DCC system, but it quit on me. I just bought on eBay a power supply hoping it would work for my small layout. It's an MRC 500-510, rated at 18.5V 3amps. Since I've already won the bid and paid for it, it's probably too late to ask this question, but oh well... Is 18.5 volts too much for DCC? I know about the cooked lights in the Kato passenger cars. I also know that three amps isn't that big, but neither is my layout or the list of engines I'll run at one time. So what do you think, is 18.5 volts too much? [ 17 April 2001: Message edited by: ten87 ]
Since posting this question, I've become even more confused! On the specs for other power supplies I've found notations for MRC and Lenz using 18V while others use 12-16V. Another 18V power supply says its good for all HO and N DCC systems. I've got an old Digitrax Big Boy, and I'm running N scale. Is an 18.5V power supply going to work for me? Thanks...
Look in your owners manual for your DCC system to find out what input power they sugguest. I think you will find that it recommends a wide band of voltages. The voltage of the power supply you purchased is fine for your DCC application with one exception. For the Digitrax system, that exception is that the automatic short circuit/overload protection may not work since the input amperage is only 3 amps. You need a power supply that puts out at least 5 amps for the short circuit/overload protection to work properly. The input voltage does not mean that that voltage is going to the track. The command station/booster take the input voltage and amperage and convert it to the desired output voltage and amperage. If you have selected 'N' scale on your command station then the output to the track will be about 12 volts if I remember correctly. If you don't have an owners manual for your Digitrax system, go to http://www.digitrax.com and download a copy of your manual. It is in PDF format and it is free. David
Thanks David. What do you think about putting a three amp circuit breaker in between the power supply and the command station?
Hi there Ten87, I think a circuit breaker is a very good idea. Now your Digitrax unit has a way of reducing power to the tracks, and David is correct. If you are really worried or don't like the way your command station heats up you can put a series of diodes between the transformer and the command station. If you want to do that e-mail me directly.
