DCC Questions!

[7793]

HI

I want to get a DCC system, so I have a few picked out, but what i would like to know is will i need a power supply like a 13.8 from 110? Or can the DCC system plug right into the wall? Also how does it connect to the track? Like from what I remember the old DC system just has two wires the connect to the track, but with the DCC setup i want and the engine with sounds and everything will that need a diffrent electrical system? Sorry to sound stupid but I have a power supply here and just needed to know if i should keep it.

[Stevert]

 Depending on which DCC system you buy, yes, you may also need to get a power supply.  Some "sets" come with one, some don't. 

  However, 13.8 volts is somewhat low, as most require about 15 volts.  But you can probably still run at an N-scale setting. 

  Another important question is how many amps does that supply provide?  If you're getting a 2.5 amp DCC system, it will need to supply at least 2.5 amps, for a five amp DCC system at least five amps, etc.  If you under-power a DCC system amp-wise, you run a serious risk of damaging it if you short it (loco derailment, for example) because the power supply's voltage will sag and the DCC system's internal overload management won't work.

  As for track connections, two wires might do it on a (very) small layout, but I'd opt for more.  You can find a lot of info on that subject here:  http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

Steve

[7793]

It is 110 plug in then it creates 13.8V and 20Amps So if i went with the NCE Power Cab System, it comes with everything i need to run at least two HO trains, at least that's what i gather?

[jasperofzeal]

If you get the NCE power cab, it will come with a power supply that will allow you run 2-3 HO trains.  The only wire you'll need to supply yourself are the wires that connect from the power panel to the tracks, you know, the rail joiners with leads type of thing.  If you want to hold on to and use that power supply you have, why not use it for structure lighting or other misc. powering needs?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I have the Digitrax Zephyr. It comes with it's own power supply and the control unit hooks up to the track very similar to the way a normal power pack does.