Hi All,
I'm getting back into the hobby after many years, and I'm a it confused about the capacity of the NCE DCC systems. My n scale layout will be used to continuously run trains - not a lot of switching. I will run mostly two trains at once but would like to have the capacity for three. This tens to make me think the Powercab is sufficient. However, my total run length of track will be somewhere around 100 ft. Does this total length exceed the capacity of the Powercab system? Do I need a booster or a larger system? I appreciate your guidance!
How is that 100 feet of track arranged? If it's one long straight main line 100 feet from end to end, then you MIGHT need a booster. If it's 100 feet of track in a say 6x10 layout, you should be fine. Current draw of N scale locos is low, so unless you use telephone wire for the main power bus, it would be fine.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
wed5Does this total length exceed the capacity of the Powercab system? Do I need a booster or a larger system?
Welcome to the forum wed5. Your first posts are moderated, so your posts may not appear immediately. After several posts, everything will be normal.
There are a lot of knowledgeable modelers here who can answer just about any question you may have.
Keep us up-to-date with your layout progress.
I use NCE for my N Scale layout. I have a double mainline with each about 50 feet. I run two trains, with a total of four locomotives at the same time, and I have never had any power issues. I think you should be fine, but maybe someone else will know better.
York1 John
the powerCab can supply about 1A of current
not sure why length of track or track arrangement matters
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
gregcthe powerCab can supply about 1A of current
NCE's specs say higher -- 1.7 amps, 2 amps peak
And one can add the SmartBooster for more
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Welcome to the forums.
I've been told that the length of run doesn't matter much as long as you have enough feeders. The number of locos is what puts the draw on the system. In HO, 3 sound locos is about the limit (ask how I know) non sound it can handle a couple more. N scale should be able to handle three easily with or without sound.
Have fun,
Richard
cuyamaNCE's specs say higher -- 1.7 amps, 2 amps peak
my PowerCab came with a wallwart rated at 1.35A
You cannot run 3Amp continuously or the Power Cab will overheat with the Power Cab shell deforming due to the high heat build up.
NCE P114 2A adapter
gregc cuyama NCE's specs say higher -- 1.7 amps, 2 amps peak my PowerCab came with a wallwart rated at 1.35A
cuyama NCE's specs say higher -- 1.7 amps, 2 amps peak
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainThe NCE Power Cab manual says that an NCE P114 (1.7 amps, 2 amps peak) is the power supply included with the Power Cab. It is curious that your Power Cab came with a 1.35 amp wall wart.
that is what the package and manual say i have, but mine is labeled 13.8V 1.35A
the NEC page describing the P114 power supply says it is 13.8V 24W.
gregc richhotrain The NCE Power Cab manual says that an NCE P114 (1.7 amps, 2 amps peak) is the power supply included with the Power Cab. It is curious that your Power Cab came with a 1.35 amp wall wart. that is what the package and manual say i have, but mine is labeled 13.8V 1.35A the NEC page describing the P114 power supply says it is 13.8V 24W.
richhotrain The NCE Power Cab manual says that an NCE P114 (1.7 amps, 2 amps peak) is the power supply included with the Power Cab. It is curious that your Power Cab came with a 1.35 amp wall wart.
1.35 amps at 13.8 VDC = 18.575 watt.
Interesting.
I believe the bumped it up on newer ones, since it was determined the booster components were good for a little more power without overheating or being damaged. Mine says 13.8V DC 1.8A
I have run three HO sound locos with mine.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
richg1998 I have run three HO sound locos with mine. Rich
Thanks everyone!
A few times I ran more as I used Micro 3/4 amp decoders for HO.
The Power Cab shows how much current.
I also built five amp DCC amp meters for club and home. I did not need it but liked the challenge. Same readings.