A fast question with a yes/no answer (I hope).
Can I use transformers (12.5 Volts) as boosters on my DCC set-up? I have the NCE Power-Cab. I was wondering as I have 6 transformers just setting there collecting dust. I planned to wire them onto the track every 10 feet or so.
Thanks, Bob
I tried searching for the answer but you can’t imagine the results I got. It must be a really dumb question!
NO!
A transformer generates 60 cycle AC at a reduced voltage from house voltage.
A booster generates a complex DCC signal with much higher frequencies, and is not a sine wave.
Why do you think you need a DCC booster? Your Power Cab has a small booster (1.7 or 2 amp depending on version) built into it. DCC booster size and number is based on number of engines running simultaneously, not on length of track. The Power Cab will run at least 3 engines simultaneously, which is 2 more than I want to try to control with a single throttle.
If you need more engines (and throttles) than the Power Cab can handle, the NCE Super Booster puts out 5 amps and uses your existing Power Cab as a throttle.
Fred W
No.
Yikes, “heck no”!
Put the transformers on Ebay, and buy yourself a legitimate DCC component. As the previous posters indicated, mixing AC and DC and DCC can seriously cause you problems and expense.
ENJOY!
A power transformer made to lower AC sine-wave house voltage cannot handle higher frequencies such as those put out by a DCC command station without causing a lot of distortion of the DCC signal, which is a high frequency square wave – so the answer is NO, you cannot use those transformers as a DCC booster.
BOB,
[#welcome] To The Forums.
As others have already stated, NO.
But you can keep a couple of those 12.6v transformers, the ones rated at least 2amp, for powering incandescent bulbs for lighting buildings and street lights on your layout like Miniatronics grain of wheat bulbs, 12-14v AC/DC.
Frank
BTW: If the transformers look like this, keep a couple: Two black leads are the primary, where your house current connects to. Three leads on other side is the secondary, two greens,12.6volts, one green and yellow 6.3volts and other green and yellow 6.3volts, for two separate circuits, requirring 6.3v.
You’re either a few days late with this question – or about a year early.[;)]
And for trackside signals, for powering Tortoises, for control panel toggle switches and LEDs, etc. etc. etc.
Rich
Thanks.
I do intend to use a couple for lights, switches, etc.
The reason I asked is I have 6 DCC equiped locos and I have to power all the way to I’m u step 90 to get any of them to move. I’m using KATO unitrack and have power feeders every 2/3 feet. I didnt have any problems when my setp was DC. I thought DCC was easier to wire but I must be doing someting wrong. I did find that the KATO feeders have to be turned the correct way or a short occurs. I’m using quick splice connectors so I know I’m getting good contact.
Any idea what I’m doing wrong? The track run is approx a 12X4 flat oval (nothing fancy, I just wanted to try out the DCC before I glue anything down).
Thanks again,
Bob in Ga
Bob,
I suggest that You review this site, very helpful info:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/intro2dcc.htm
Frank
Although it is unlikely that all 6 locos could have the same problem, you should check to see that the track voltage is proper. With all the locos off the tracks use a volt meter to check from one rail to the other at several points around the railroad. You should read somewhere around 14 volts AC everywhere. If you read 14 volts, then the problem is with the locos. They might need to have their starting voltage CVs adjusted. But check the track voltage first and report back as to what you find.
Checked 6 spots and got from 13.5 to 14.2.
Bob,
Were you using the PowerCab for power with the DC hooked to the track, too? That may have caused the PowerCab to fail.
Some DCC systems do support running ONE DC-powered loco. Six just won’t work. Some like NCE do NOT support any DC locos – all must be decoder equipped.I presume only your PowerCab is wired to the tracks. Do any of your locos operate properly on the section of track where the power is connected from the PowerCab?
Some decoders support both DC and DCC operation. What brand decoders are in your locos equipped with DCC decoders?
My Power Cab shows around 13.6 VAC. It will trip if to much power is required.
Build a good supply of links in Favorites about how DCC works. It will help you a lot. You have the power at your finger tips.
You can get a basic good three amp booster for under $100.00. Just need to add a power supply which is no big deal.
Rich
I haven’t read anything where he says that there was a failure of the PowerCab. Nor have I read anything which indicates that he had the PowerCab and a transformer connected to the track at the same time.
His issue seems to be that he has to get the PowerCab up to speed step 90 before his locos move.
He indicated that he has checked the voltage around the layout and has what appears to be the proper voltage. My initial WAG on this is that the starting voltage CV needs to be adjusted on his engines. However, it would be nice to find out what brand locos and decoders he has before proceeding further.
True, but things were so confusing, it’s got me confused. I just wanted to be sure we’re all on the same page here.[^o)]
Yeah, that’s possible. It’s also possible there are six sound locos, which might exceed the Power Cab’s capacity. I rather doubt it, but if he’s got that many locos on the track starting at once, it will be pushing towards the Power Cab’s capacity.
Are your six locos really DCC decoder equipped or just “DCC Ready”? The admittedly confusing term “DCC Ready” does not mean they are actually ready to be run on a DCC equipped layout. It usually means that there is an 8 or 9 pin plug installed that will accept a similarly equipped DCC decoder. Having never tried to run a straight DC loco on any DCC system, I don’t really know how one would react. Does this behaviour sound familiar to anyone who has tried this?
Hornblower,
Yeah, that was one of the things I was trying to get nailed down here. I suspect some misunderstanding like that is afoot here.
Quote:
The reason I asked is I have 6 DCC equiped locos and I have to power all the way to I’m u step 90 to get any of them to move. I’m using KATO unitrack and have power feeders every 2/3 feet. I didnt have any problems when my setp was DC. I thought DCC was easier to wire but I must be doing someting wrong.
I suspect, they are DCC ready, according to the above statement.
They may not work at all or barely run,buzzing all the way home.
Frank
Yup,
DC and DCC really don’t mix, despite so many trying to do so. Take your pick, one or the other, but don’t try to mix, match, add, multiply, subtract or divide by each other UNLESS you’re an expert at both. Problem is, most of those who want to do so are at the other end of the skill spectrum. You’ll melt down more stuff than you’ll ever save money on by cutting corners and trying to do both at the same time.
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