I posted this question over on the Garden Railway forum, but although over 20 people have looked at it, apparently nobody knows the information I have requested. I’m hoping someone over here can help.
I am helping a friend complete his Large Scale layout and have some questions about DCC connections. I have had Digitrax DCC on my HO railraod for 8-9 years but the system my friend bought is NCE.
My first concern is proper connection from his power supply to the PB 110A and the CS02. The quick start instructions indicate that his 10 Amp Power Pro system requires 16-22 volts AC. His power supply is a Bridgewerks Magnum 15-SR with terminals marked as follows:
-O O+
To Track
24-30 Volts DC
-O +O
Remote Throttle
O O
24-32 Volts A.C.
~O O~
The guy at St. Aubins said to use the slide handle on the power pack to control the output to ensure that the 22 volt DC maximum is not exceeded. I assumed the terminals marked "To Track
I’m way out of my depth here, but 10 amps from 22 volts doesn’t sound like a good match to me. Perhaps I am not reading your question correctly, but you would need a supply of 110 volt minimum for that amount of current on a layout. You need a power supply that is a step-down tranformer to provide a max of 22 volts for the control unit…? That would go in the two AC inputs. The DC ones are power accessories like turntable motors.
I think you’ll have to read the full manual, or call the manufacturer to get out of this comprehension bind if you don’t get anybody else responding who actually knows what is needed.
I agree with Selector, call or email NCE or the manufacturer of the power supply. The NCE guys are very friendly and helpful, unfortunately they are closed Fri thru Sun, so give them a call on Monday. They are also quick to respond to emails.
Thanks guys. I’ll call both mfgs.
Micheal,
I re-read my NCE PHP manual since I have a 5 amp and not the 10 amp system. The primary difference between the two is that with the 10 amp system the command station (CS02) is separate from the booster (PB110). I believe the PB110 is two 5 amp boosters wire together for the 10 amp output.
I am unfamiliar with the Bridgeworks power supply though. Did your friend purchase it at the same time as he purchased the PHP? Was this what the retailer recommended or is he trying to make do with what he had on hand? My concern with using it is twofold:
- You never mention the amperage rating of the Bridgeworks. Voltage output is one thing but it also needs to have the correct amperage rating otherwise the PB110 will have problems supply power to the track and you will continually experience system shutdowns.
- I would avoid using any power supply that requires you to ‘dial-in’ the correct voltage. This is only asking for trouble in the future. Someone can accidently change the setting and blow up the CS02 or PB110.
My guess is that when you contact NCE they will advise you against using the Bridgeworks and to use their own power supply that is recommended for the 10 amp system. The people at NCE are very nice to deal with. I would take their advice and not look at it as them simply trying to sell you something you do not need. It is their system, they know what is required for it to operate.
Regarding the radio hook-up. All you should need to do is connect the radio receiver to the cab bus through a UTP and centrally located the receiver antenna. While I don;t have the radio system, I’ve read up on it and it is a realtively simple plug and play device.
jktrains
I would suggest buying a handheld V-O-M, volt,ohm meter. It would help to determine if the output is AC or DC and at what voltage. Hope this helps a little.
I would say that based on the labelling on the terminals, the power supply he has isn’t going to work. NCE sells one that would work for $90. There is one on this page http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T072/P2021.pdf , 237-1287-ND that should work. Not quite the full 10 A, but most likely enough for about $40. I’m sure there are plenty of other sources, too. Even though it is more, I’d be tempted to get the one NCE sells, and avoid any potential warranty issues later.