this may sound like a stupid question to those who know the answer, but i was wondering if the gnerator for the atlas dcc commander is really neccesary, or if you can use some other power source. please answer, im confused and i dont have the money to spend on a generator as well right now. answers???
The generator is just a power transformer.
I am using the Lenz compact DCC (it’s the same as Atlas Commander) and an old washing machine transformer 15v ac.
Ken.
Actually this was brought up previously - the Atlas Generator actually puts out too much voltage to HO and DEFINITELY for N scale use. An alternative source at 15-16V AC would be a better choice. It needs to supply the rated output of the Commander plus about an additional half amp.
–Randy
oh cool i didnt know that, thanks! you probly just saved me a lot of time!
To answer the question - you can use any AC or DC supply that puts out 15-16V at 2.5 to 3 Amps to power the Commander.
As for the Generator being “unsuitable” for HO, I don’t know where that idea came from. The Generator is the OEM power supply for the Commander, and I haven’t encountered or heard of any problem with the its voltage among the Atlas users in my area. A decoder-equipped motor isn’t going to see the full voltage unless the throttle is maxed out, and even in that case the maximum no-load voltage of the Generator is comparable to any quality DC supply.
Atlas does recommend a modification to lower the voltage for use with N scale (available at http://www.atlasrr.com/voltage.htm), but I have been using my Commander with the Generator without modification for a couple of years without problems.
You’re right, the MOTOR won’t see full voltage unless you crank it wide open, and even then it’s attentuated by a couple of diode drops worth of voltage in the output H bridge of the decoder. But the DECODER sees that full voltage, and the output of the Atlas Commander with the Generator as a power supply exceeds the recommended maximum for Soundtrax sound decoders.
And then there are lighted cars that are not decoder controlled - you might already have a 16V bulb to keep it safe even with a full 12v applied to the rails with a DC control system, but shove 19v into a 16v bulb and you will greatly shorten the life. Or melt something.
In HO it is less of a concern, the larger motors can usually handle the extra without damage as they have enough mass to dissipate the heat. But N and Z scale, no way should you try to pu***hat much voltage through the little motors.
Pretty much every other DCC system allows you to adjust the track voltage. Since you can’t on the Commander, the input voltage should be something more suitable. I still stand dby my opinion that 19V on the track is WAY too much for HO scale and smaller.
–Randy
Loys Toys has a good article on this subject for DCC systems in general. See http://loystoys.com.
How big is your layout? I use the Digitrax Zepher and the booster is included, Like Joeump said, try Loy’s Toy’s they have all kind of info on DCC http://loystoys.com
let me know how it all turn’s out!
TrainsRMe