My layout is rather small at only 11X7 and I operate now with an NCE Power Cab using only one power district for the whole layout. This does not bother me. My question is should I still buy a PS-ONE from Tonys for circuit protection? When I do short circuit a turnout or whatever on my layout it takes 10 seconds or so to re-boot from the NCE powerbooster. Will this time be shorter if I purchase a circuit protector PS-ONE from Tony’s?
Thanks…
Information provided by Tony does not indicate what the reset time is for a Power Shield. It will reset automatically, or a push-button switch can be connected to it for manual reset.
Maybe you’d get a better answer by sending an e-mail to Tony.
I’ve got a PS-Rev (reverser unit) which also provides circuit-breaker protection to that part of the layout. It resets almost immediately once the problem is corrected.
On my Lenz DCC system a short will power down the track. A manual reset from the throttle is then required to get back up, but it comes up right away, too.
You might consider a PS2. An 11x7 layout isn’t all that small, actually. If you have a yard, or engine servicing area, or branch line, you might want to separate them so that a derailment in one area won’t affect the other. And it’s much easier to figure out where a short is.
If you have (or will have) a reverse loop or turntable, you’d want a PS-Rev (auto-reverse unit).
Also, with all the PowerShield products, you can adjust the trip voltage and timing with jumpers – if you’re running some engines with sound, especially, this might be quite helpful.
I’ve got 2 of the PS-4s and 2 of the PS-Revs, and they’re terrific!
Some turntables provide reversing for you. I know the Atlas does, so you don’t need a PS-Rev for that one. Most don’t, though, so check the specs so you’ll know.