DCC voltage regulator required?

[Jacktal]

I have a brand new Digitrax DCS-100 Command Station(Chief system) that I plan to install shortly.With it I got a transformer that delivers 19.3VAC(no load),wich is within the Digitrax manual spec of 22VAC max. input for the DCS-100.The manual also says that 12.6VAC should be fine for "N" scale use and that any excess voltage will be dissipated through the device's heat sink.

Since the manual also says that a 12.6 to 16VAC transfo should be used for HO operation,I'm worried I may have way too much current to dissipate through the heat sink,wich would then overheat.The installation of a cooling fan is an easy cure but would this be enough?Or should I get a smaller transfo?Or is there a reasonable way to reduce the input voltage to the DCS-100? My feeling is that a 50% excess voltage is a lot to dissipate.

I always believed that heat would be created when an electrical device would be "under load",like when running a greater number of locos,wich will never happen on my small layout.However,reading the manual leads me to believe that reducing the input voltage to a steady output voltage is in itself a "load" that will generate heat,whatever the number of locos running at the same time.I'm concerned about the longevity of my DCC system,but my biggest concern is fire hazard.Do I worry for nothing?

[mls1621]

You should be fine with the power supply you have. I'm pretty sure that the voltage numbers you're quoting are the track voltages, recheck the referance source in your manual. AC runs though the rails.

But if you're that concerned, contact Digitrax directly with this question. If their tech suppost person isn't available when you call, he will call you back.

I've talked with them on several occasions and they never fail to return a call.

[SteelMonsters]

What is the full load voltage of the transformer?

Just remember that the amount of power the heatsink has to dissipate is proportional to the amount of load. The voltage regulator is thermal protected so it won't be damaged, if the system shuts down all you need to do is add a fan or one with a higher output. As for a fire hazard, the regulator has a heatsink and the airflow will cool it before it exits the case if it does become that hot.

Modern computer processors are pushing over 100 watts of heat. This is actually more heat than a 100 watt light bulb because it uses some energy for light. All of this heat is generated in the area of a finger nail. To top it off, because of the microscopic size of the transistors, the die can only reach about 70º C or risk damage.

The problem is going over the 22 volts because that will damage the circuts by itself. Your transformer can't go over it.