Right now my layout is powered by a Digitrax Zephyr. I keep trying to load it down but run out of hands to control things before I run out of power. Just last night…
I had 2 new PCM Loksound-equipped T-1’s running, double headed on a train. I then started up a BLI QSI-equipped M1a on the other main. I connected the Soundtraxx DSD up with a resistor subbing for a motor load and cranked that up. Then I ran a P2K SD45 and S1 (no sound in those two) at the same time. FOUR sound units plus 2 without. No problems handling all that with the Zephyr - oh yeah, have 2 NCE Switch-Its hooked up to some of my Tortoises, so that was drawing some track power, and the caboose on the train is a P2K with a light bulb in it. Headlights were on everywhere, as there are some other locos also sitting on powered track.
I even deliberately shorted the track to see if there would be any recovery issues due to the capacitors int he sound units - nope, it reset immediately after I removed the short.
All this on one measely little Zephyr. This is more than would normally run at one time on the part of the layout I have running. And probably more than I’d have running most of the time even if the whole thing was finished. When the time comes for a real op session, I will likely need more than a 10 loco capacity, but with just one or two of us running trains, it appears the Zephyr will be PLENTY.
…and here I was thinking of upgrading from my Zephyr. I probably won’t run more than six locos. Sounds like it will do it. I know they are spec’ed for 10 plus two with jump ports, but I run On30 and I’m going to have sound in them all, so I would imagine that would cut into the limit.
I use an Aristo wireless DCC with a 10 Amp power supply with an additional 8 amps on call from a booster I have yet to tap into. I can power all 4 of my G scale locos at 18 volts with sound and accessories (lighted passanger cars etc) over dirty track in the rain without a single light flicker. (Granted ,it looks stupid to have deisel and steam together pulling a load, but sometimes you just gotta!)
Bottom line is, when you are investing in a power supply, get the largest one you can afford. It will pay off in the future!
I have never seemingly taxed my SEB with 5 amps. I never run more than two locos, but all of my current 7 are fully featured, and the cooling fins on the back of the DB 150 never get more than slightly warm. I believe that I could run up to 12 locos pulling 8 car trains and not reach the limit. Like you, though, I only have the one paddle and one hand needs to hold it.
Randy, that is good news, I am sure. Maybe it is the superior qualities of the PCM’s that make the difference? [:D]
I figured I’ll isolate sections of the railroad and run separate busses as if I’m installing power districts, but hook them all to my one command / booster unit (NCE, for those interested). When I start hitting the wall on available power, then I’ll add boosters and break apart the districts as required.
I’ve run into the same thing with my PE. This is an interesting point you bring up. DCC is getting much like computer hardware. We are getting to the point where a system has more features and capabilities than we’ll ever need. 9999 locos? 100 cabs? Like you and many other have said - when picking out a DCC system the first step is to determine your needs/wants. While there would be nothing wrong if you had gotten a 10 amp power supply - you’ve discovered that at this point it is unnecessary for your needs. (Please don’t take this as advice or words from an “expert” - I’m just thinking outloud here - I’ve learned more from you about DCC than any other single source).
But on the other hand - I’m sure if you asked Tim Taylor a 40 amp power supply wouldn’t be enough - unless you “tweaked” it a bit!
Wow! What an informative post… We were contemplating getting a Super Chief 8 amp for our new layout that we will be constructing over the next couple of years, as we were going to have 3 sound equipped locos running all the time and then doing some switching in the yard with a couple of other locos. But really, never more than 4 running at a time. Sounds like we can save some moolah and just get another zephyr, which we have running on our other layout.
Anyone else have similar experiences with their Zephyr?
Sort of like making benchwork that an elephant can walk on. using 3 powered GP units to pull a 10 car train, using a 10 gauge bus on a 4x8 layout, and 14 gauge feeders to every piece of track. We have a tendency to way over engineer everything. I’ve seen layouts (our club included) with so many power supplies they can heat a house with them…?!?
I wish I had enough power to serve my desires…right now I’m about at the limit of my DC supply give or take 2 locos…I’m running a 35 car train wish 3 4 axle Atlas/Kato locos on the head and 3 SD40-2 helpers cut in for the grade. 2 of the cars are Walthers track cleaning cars, which if you’ve never run them, they have an incredible amount of drag. My P2K S-3 can’t pull one up a 0.5% grade.
More power, I need more power!
Well I suspect the Loksound decoders draw a bit less than the QSI, owing to the 100ohm speakers they use. But the motor in the M1 appears to be identical to the one in the T-1, the difference is in the drive train, the M1 has a one-piece flywheel/worm gear turning, and the T-1 has a flywheel with a hex shaped socket and a short drive shaft with a universal at the gear end - kinda like the new Athearn. Of course, when it’s assembled with the motor cockec to one side at the factory, the universal doesn’t help much…
The P2K S1 is a flyweight when it comes to current draw, about .25 amp. The P2K SD45 is probably a little more. I forget what value resistor I had on the motor leads of the DSD, or I’d know how many amps that was drawing. Next time I’ll stick the Atlas Trainmaster on the rails too and see how it handles all that.
The only reason I might need more boosters is that it’s over 50’ from one end of the room tot he other, and even with #12 bus wire, that’s 100’ plus of wire, you can’t help but have voltage drops, so it would be wise to put another booster somewhere down near the other end when I get that far - maybe just a second Zephyr will handle it. But since I got my DT400 I don’t use the Zephyr console at all - I honestly cannot stand a 300 degree or so potentiometer control after using the encoders.
Sorta like what the guy at my LHS told me about. He had this customer come in needing serious DCC help, another shop sold him a Super Chief to run his 4x8 Atlas track plan layout… More power isn’t always better, just more expensive. And it’s always possible to expand if your layout does.
