So I ordered some DCC specialties breakers and reversers, the OG series for my HO layout. They’re rated for 4 amp systems, which sounds ok for my Prodigy express. But in the instructions it says that low power systems may not have enough “oomph” to trip tyhe breakers. Uhh Ohh, the express only has 1.6a.
I figured I’d be needing a bigger power supply/booster soon but not this soon.
Any reccomendations on an upgrade besides the MRC 3.5 A booster or a whole new system?
Just buy Digitrax AR-1 reversers and forget the breakers.
Rich
Call Tony’s Trains, a.k.a. DCC Specialties, and ask them. They’re known for service.
Or, try the quarter test. That’s the best way to know for sure.
I am afraid to ask, what’s the quarter test?
I ordered from Tony’s and they reccomended the OG instead of the AR1.
I will do the quarter test as I wire up the layout, guess I’ll see if the OGCB trips before the Express does.
SOmetimes I wonder about the 'expertise" at that place. Of course, they own the company that makes the OG-AR and the OG-CB, whereas they do not own the company that makes the AR1. Yet despite the fact that the OG products are not adjustable for trip current and trip speed, despite the fact that they do warn about using them on low current ‘starter’ systems, and despite the fact that you (presumably) told them you have the Prodigy system, they still recommended the OG-AR. Funny, and not ha-ha funny.
Have we become so brainwashed that ‘all solid state’ is always always better than relays? There is absolutely NO issue with the longevity or the trip ability of the AR-1 and other products that use relays. It’s a solid and reliable product that works with nearly anything thanks to an infinitely adjustable sensitivity control.
–Randy
I have four AR-1’s on my layout, and all have been in place anywhere from 3 to 7 years with absolutely no problems.
On the other hand, I regularly read about problems with the solid state relays. Go figure.
Rich
The OG-AR and OG-CB are non adjustable for lower current systems. The PSX series of products are programmable and also adjustable with jumpers. If you call Tony’s I am sure you can trade the OG for the PSX and pay the difference.
Can you not hook a booster to your Prodigy system? Railstars has a 3 amp booster that needs no cuircut breaker. The 3 amp booster is enough for the PSX-AR. http://www.traintekllc.com/RailStars/products/455/
Pete