Can I power my switches from the dcc buss wire, or is it better to run a second power supply? I’m using the Bachmann ez-dcc and want to convert to
decoder switches when the decodes come out from bachmann…
i’m using all altas snap switches and track. runing n-scale.
A solenoid used for throwing the points on a turnout requires a very short pulse of high amperage. The Bachmann E-Z DCC system is only 1 amp. Not enough “Umph” to throw the switch reliably. That may also cause the trains to hesitate briefly when you throw the turnout.
I recommend using a seperate power supply, at least 18 gauge wire and a capacitor discharge circuit , (prevents burning out the solenoid) to throw the turnouts.
To take power from the main bus, you will need a 5 amp booster to insure reliable operation of the turnouts when you connect stationary decoders to the main bus for power.
DCC although its a continuous power supply, is tunning train signals to power the lokies.
Keep switch machine power and alternative powers separate from track.
For solenoid type switch machines, you need a seperate supply, preferrably CDI as mentioned above. For Tortise machines, you can use the DCC bus if you have enough power.
If you have an old transformer from a train set, that is perfect to use to power your switches. Even after you get your DCC set up, I think you will want a separate power supply to your accessories. You will probably need all the amps you can get to the DCC bus to run trains.
A seperate power supply is the way to go.
Hello, guys. I am now learning about this stuff so i can make a purchase of switches, motors, etc. I’m a newbie here. I took the following out of the online manual for NCE’s stationary decoder for Atlas type switches …
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The Snap-It draws the most current when the layout power is first turned on to charge the
capacitors. It will never draw more than 65mA (.065 Amps) during this time. After the
capacitors are charged the current drops to about 2mA (.002 Amp). This means that 30
Snap-Its will draw about 2 Amps when the layout is first turned on, then the current will
drop to about 60mA which is about the amount of current drawn by 1 locomotive
headlight. Most DCC systems can easily supply twice this much power.
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Should I take thier comments with a grain of salt? Do you guys disagree with NCE? I’m not going to have any where near 30 switches. I’m using a 5A DCC system.
Is it very difficult to wire in an additional power source, since the decoder needs the signal provided via the track?
Thanks for putting up with my greenhorn questions. I need to take a few days off of work and just read every thing I can on DCC and model railroading in general. That would be fun.
Ken
They are correct, as long as your system provides over 2 amps. The Bachmann E-Z Command DCC has a “Wall wart” for a power supply. It doesn’t produce more than 1 amp. Bachmann will sell a 5 amp booster this year.