Digitrax dcs power supply. 15dc ok?

JeffofSpace

JeffofSpace

Registered
Hi All,

I am using a digitrax dcs100 system for our smallish layout. I just have it powered by the digitrax power supply from back when. It’s like 12v...can’t remember if ac or dc (can’t be bothered to go check at the moment :D). Does it matter if ac or dc? Can I use the higher voltage computer supply I’ve got on hand? Would it give me any advantages...what would be the results?

A basic question, I have the digitrax dh465 decoders in our Stainz and Playmobile locos...the decoders are rated at 4.5 amps w 6.5 momentary. So, is amp draw only determined by what the engine produces? For example...will my Stainz ever draw that much amperage?

Thanks much!!
 
The DCS100 should run a couple of loco's with no problems..
The manual says 12.6V (AC or DC) minimum, maximum 22V AC or 28V DC..

A nominal 'standard' 19V laptop supply would be fine, though these are rated at around 3.15Amps normally..

A Stainz loco on full-stall will draw a fraction over two amps... So, theoretically, you should not have a problem.

HTH?
PhilP.
 
Greg Elmassian said:
19v dc will put pretty low voltage on the rails, I'd look to run the max voltage... 24v on the rails is ideal, and you won't hit that but come close.

My opinion on the decoders is the same as PhilP

Greg
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Thank you. I will look around for a good power supply. We need a proper railroad going here!
 
Greg Elmassian said:
I would find a regulated, switching DC supply, many of us use Meanwell ones, go to my site and search "meanwell" and there's some good links on where to buy... inexpensive and a regulated supply makes a world of difference in DCC.

Greg
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Thanks, Greg. Could you message me the link to your site?
 
Also, just looked at the digitrax supply...it is 15v...the other I have is 18. So, why does the throttle show power of only 12v with the 15v supply? Thanks again
 
Yep, the idea is that a power supply of "X" volts on the input usually gives you "X-2" or "X-3" volts on the output.

I don't know the upper limit of the output level adjustment. For an NCE syste, to get 24 v DCC, I needed 27 V inpute.

And do NOT take the throttle power display to be accurate for sure... You should check it.

Greg
 
By the way, if you take a simple bridge rectifier, and connect to the DCC output, and perhaps a small filter cap on the output, then the DC you measure will be pretty darn accurate... and you add 1.4 volts to the DC reading (to compensate for the diode drops) to get the DCC track voltage.

Just a couple of bucks to validate your system's voltage reading, worth doing. (plus you are reading the ACTUAL DCC track voltage, what your locos are actually getting)

Greg
 
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