Power Supply & Controller options

[Bryan Thatcher]

I'm looking into upgrading the power supply that came with the starter set. I would eventually like to go the DCC route. The one I'm looking at is a 2 piece - 10A Power supply and controller. I've only just barley familiarized myself with how DCC systems work, but I don't want to purchase something now that would be incompatibly later. What are some rules of thumb when selecting a power supply and controller to be used with DCC? Thanks.

 

[ntpntpntp]

Have I understood you correctly, that you mean you want to get a more powerful supply for your DC controller now, and move to DCC later?

The rule of thumb would be to buy the power supply recommended by the manufacturer of the DCC system. If you're not ready to commit to that yet, then it depends on which DCC system you eventually go with as to whether or not any power supply you get now will be compatible. Some DCC systems take AC input, some DC and of course the voltage might be slightly different.

To be honest though even once you go DCC you'll still find the power supply and existing controller useful for something. You'll still want to keep some sort of analogue DC capability for testing, or you might want to use the existing power supply for lighting etc. to keep the load off the DCC system.

 

[Railway42]

Take a look at the MEAN WELL range of power supply's ie SE-350-24 These are top quality I use this one with my Massoth
DiMAX 1210Z Central Station.

 

[PhilP]

The only problem with the Mean Well supplies, is they are not the most friendly packaged supplies to have a young person around.. - Look at how they are packaged.

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Actually, some DCC manufacturers still recommend a simple transformer, unregulated. In the last 10 years or so, people have recognized the advantages of using a regulated power supplies. I started using MeanWell's 10 years ago:

NCE 10 amp system with meanwell 27v, 11 amp supply at bottom:

Current system is Zimo MX10 and 20 amp supply:

Greg

 

[stockers]

Which 10amp piece are you looking at?

 

[Bryan Thatcher]

A Crest CRE-55460 and CRE-5401-10 Controller, $100 with free shipping. The controller generally has good reviews, but I know there is a newer power supply. Then I got distracted with the idea of using a general purpose DC power supply. In that case I would need a controller also. It goes on and on. I'll probably just grab it. Like it was said, there will always be a use for it.

Speaking of general purpose power supply, has anyone ever used something like this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282271725137?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=581325726743&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

And thanks everyone for your replies!

 

[ntpntpntp]

Speaking of general purpose power supply, has anyone ever used something like this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282271725137?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=581325726743&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

You mean just to drive a loco on DC? Yes, I have a 2.5 amp bench power supply like that. I use it mostly on my workbench (of course) where it's great for servicing locos on rollers and for initial checks after fitting DCC decoders. A couple of times it has been pressed into use to run a layout! Recommend you construct a little box with a DPDT switch cross-wired to let you reverse direction more simply than having to unplug and swap the wires plugged into the power supply.

 

[idlemarvel]

A Crest CRE-55460 and CRE-5401-10 Controller, $100 with free shipping. The controller generally has good reviews, but I know there is a newer power supply. Then I got distracted with the idea of using a general purpose DC power supply. In that case I would need a controller also. It goes on and on. I'll probably just grab it. Like it was said, there will always be a use for it.

Speaking of general purpose power supply, has anyone ever used something like this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282271725137?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=581325726743&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

And thanks everyone for your replies!

I use something very similar from maplins (UK electronics store).
It has 100VA capacity. I use to to provide 18v DC for my Lenz DCC command station, or PIKO analogue controller (same with my first starter set) and for lighting. Using DPDT switches I can switch my layout from DC to DCC. Very useful.

 

[PhilP]

A Crest CRE-55460 and CRE-5401-10 Controller, $100 with free shipping. The controller generally has good reviews, but I know there is a newer power supply. Then I got distracted with the idea of using a general purpose DC power supply. In that case I would need a controller also. It goes on and on. I'll probably just grab it. Like it was said, there will always be a use for it.

Speaking of general purpose power supply, has anyone ever used something like this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282271725137?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=581325726743&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

And thanks everyone for your replies!

<SIGH>
I have a 0-30V 3A bench PSU from Maplin.. - General testing etc.
Would have loved a digital set (mine has analogue meters), and the price!

These are great for testing, as you can limit the amount of current to something non-destructive!

 

[ntpntpntp]

Yeah mine was from Maplin also.

 

[stockers]

That Crest will be fine for DC. As for DCC, it depends somewhat on what central station you get - some are DC some are AC and many take either.
The bench power unit should be fine for DC. Just make sure it never get turned up to full or you will fry something and central stations are not cheap.
You can certainly save a few quid but I tend to get the correct power supply for the CS - remember your warranty!

 

[Greg Elmassian]

If you ever get the $$, a supply with current limiting is a boon, as you test things, you can limit the current to avoid damage. I have purchased a few Hewlett Packard bench supplies:

You can just make out the current knob on the right.

Saved me some smoke a few times.

You can also use these in an interesting way as a fast battery charger.

Greg