3.5 Amps-How many locos?

[Anonymous]

I am looking at the Prodigy Advance DCC sytem which is rated at 3.5 amps. I have a P2K F unit ABBA (all powered) which I would like to run as a consist. I was wodering how many typical HO locos you can run with 3.5 amps? I'm pretty sure it will run 4 but beyond that......?

[Anonymous]

Most modern locos take .5 amp or less to run, though their stall current is usually higher. So you should be able to run your consist, and maybe a switcher. If you want to run more than that all the time, you should probably look into a 5 amp system, or a basic system like the Digitax Zephyr that you can easily expand later on as you need more power.

[n2mopac]

I believe the Prodigy Advance system is expandable through adding power boosters. The key issue to watch here is that while rated at 3.5 amps the system ships with only a 2.5 amp power supply. I am purchasing Prodigy Advance for my N scale layout with the intention of using the 2.5 amp supply at first and adding an additional booster as more of my layout is completed.

Ron

[Anonymous]

you will also need to be careful if you have any lighted passenger cars on the layout. They can draw up to a .25 amps each. It also creates havoc if you are programming on the main. If all you are going to run is that consist, then you might not have too much of a problem. Otherwise, is probably look to something else with more amperage.

[Anonymous]

Tony's has a conversion kit to take it to the 3.5 amps, this is approved by MRC.

http://tonystrains.com/products/mrc_components.htm

As well as a kit to take it to 5 amps: http://tonystrains.com/technews/mrc-prodigya-note0923.htm

[knewsom]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SteamerFan

Tony's has a conversion kit to take it to the 3.5 amps, this is approved by MRC.

http://tonystrains.com/products/mrc_components.htm

As well as a kit to take it to 5 amps: http://tonystrains.com/technews/mrc-prodigya-note0923.htm

I bought my system from Tony's and have been very pleased. The kit to take it to 5 amps, however is not available. MRC initially stated that they would upgrade the Prodigy Advance to 5 amps, but then rescinded the offer. So the most you can get without buying the additional boosters is 3.5 amps at this time.

[kenkal]

Assuming HO, allow at least 1 amp/engine. Pre-1980 engines likely would need more current. Why 1 amp? Well, you need to add current for front and read headlamps, the amount depending if they are GofW, LED, etc. Also, add for any lights in the cars such as passenger cars, tenders, caboose, searchlight cars, etc. Sound systems also require current and IU would allow at least 1/2 amp per engine for that. Running any accessories off DCC like signals, switches, etc? If so, they require current as well. Ken[8D]

[challenger3802]

Power ratings are as follows: each loco running on the layout = 600mA, static locos = 2.5mA each, lights in locos (or buildings) = 50mA per bulb (or LED).

There are 1000mA per Amp.

For the total power of your layout add up the number of locos you want on it and that gives your total power needed.

e.g.: running locos @ 4 = 2400mA (4 x 600mA)
standing locos @ 10 = 25mA (10 x 2.5mA)
lights @ 20 = 1000mA (20 x 50mA)

Total power needed = 3425mA = 3.4A

[Anonymous]

I have three to four trains running at once on the main. These are all powered by 3 and four unit consists. My Digitrax chief (5 amp) has no problem here. Now all my loco's are diesel powered by good low current motors. No current sucking Athearns here, unless they are remotored.