Power Supply for a Digitrax DS64

[Randall_Roberts]

Digitrax markets a power supply just for their accessories.

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_ps_ps12.php

The page doesn't list the DS64, it lists the older DS54, but this is the supply I use on my second DS64. 

MSRP is $8.50.  At that price you have to ask yourself what your time is worth coming up with an alternative solution.

Best!

[BobbyDing]

So they are refering to the units maximum draw. Thanks so much for that info!

I have a 12VDC 1500ma class 2 wall wart that would be perfect to power all four DS64's. I wanted to be sure though before using it. Lest they become expensive smoke generators! . 

Bobby

[jbinkley60]

Hi Folks,

I have two (soon to be four) Digitrax DS64 stationary switch controllers that need external power (using track power rite now). The manual states that the power supply should be NO MORE than 12 volts DC 300 ma. I found this unusual, as usually the stated power is a minimum, not a maximum. I was hoping to use a 12DC 1500 ma supply to power all four. I checked several 12V DC class 2 wall warts that I have, and found that though they say they are 12DC, they are actually putting out 16-17 volts DC (I did hook up a 12v automotive 1156 light bulb to load them when I took this reading. Fluke digital meter). Has anybody had any experience with powering several DS64's? Can I put 17 volts into them without popping them?

I know Digitrax sells their own power supply. But I have several already here that I'd like to use. If all else fails I'll buy one of theirs and measure what it's putting out.

Thanks.... Any help would be appreciated.

Bobby

What the manual means to say is no more than 12V and at least 300ma.  The statement actually is:

The maximum input power for your DS64 is 300ma at 12V DC.

It is trying to say that it will draw no more than 300ma.  I find they generally draw much less.  I had quite a few DS64s powered off of various power supplies.  I finally built my own.  The 12V 1500ma supply will be plenty and will work fine.  The 12V rating on the power supply is under full load and so with the partial load of a 1156, it won't drop down to 12V.  I've powered mine as high as 18v with no issues. 

 

[BobbyDing]

Hi Folks,

I have two (soon to be four) Digitrax DS64 stationary switch controllers that need external power (using track power rite now). The manual states that the power supply should be NO MORE than 12 volts DC 300 ma. I found this unusual, as usually the stated power is a minimum, not a maximum. I was hoping to use a 12DC 1500 ma supply to power all four. I checked several 12V DC class 2 wall warts that I have, and found that though they say they are 12DC, they are actually putting out 16-17 volts DC (I did hook up a 12v automotive 1156 light bulb to load them when I took this reading. Fluke digital meter). Has anybody had any experience with powering several DS64's? Can I put 17 volts into them without popping them?

I know Digitrax sells their own power supply. But I have several already here that I'd like to use. If all else fails I'll buy one of theirs and measure what it's putting out.

Thanks.... Any help would be appreciated.

Bobby