Tonight I was run a lot of engines, more than normal. I had 5 none sound engines and 4 sound engines running. The DB 150 started beeping and trains shut down. Flipped the DB 150 to Op's mode so I could turn the engines to zero throttle and then went to run mode. No more beeping and running 4 engines with no problem.
Is it time to hook up my MRC Power Station 8 Amp Booster? Just kidding, next time I use that sucker will be used it will be a weight in my pool!
I am guessing the shut down is normal. Only reason I was running 9 engines (4 trains) was getting ready for friends coming over Sunday to run the bench.
Would a fan on the heat sink of the DB 150 be over kill?
Ken
I hate Rust
WOuld a fan be overkill? No.
BUT - 9 locos shouldn;t come close to taxing a 5 amp booster, not the modern locos you run. Was it exceptionally hot in the room? That will reduce the capability of the booster, and a fan would help. I mean, I've run 8 locos on a Zephyr which is half the power output of a DB150. WHat are you using as a power source for the DB150?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
was it definitely a thermal shutdown? could it have been something else?
Yes you were overtaxing the DB150. Having a small 12 volt chassis fan blowing on the heatsink of the DB 150 would help. When I installed the empire builder on my clubs layout I put it in a wooden box with adequate ventilation. While at a show we were running 5 sound equiped locos and a few non-sound locos along with some lighted passenger cars. The DB 150 made some beeps, the red track power light faded out and the trains stopped for a short time then began running again. This went on several times until we removed some of the locos and passenger cars. The unit didn't feel all that warm to the touch but when we removed some equipment it ran well for the rest of the show. We have since installed the supercheif on our HO layout and relagated the empire builder to run our N gauge layout. Don't up the current supplied to the DB 150 as it will only handle 5 amps. An old computor fan hooked up with a 12 volt wallwart should work well to cool the heatsink enough.
Are you running an air conditioner at the same time? I have an AC unit in another room which ended up on the same circuit as my trains. If it kicks in, it draws a lot of power and I've had it trip off my DCC system.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I don't think it is a real issue, the bench did great today while Simon and his sons where over. We had a blast, plus some more bench diving. I cannot believe the stuff we found that I forgot I had! But that is a different subject.
Far as the engines, I was running the following.
PCM Big Boy with Loksound
PCM Y-6b with Loksound
PK 1000 F-3's, 4 of them with DH 123's and no sound
BLI Class J with QSI sound
PK 2000 E-6 B DH 123 none sound
PK 2000 E-7 A with QSI sound.
The E-7 takes a lot of power to get going even with the B unit. (Simon 1966 did the speed matching) Takes 40% just to get it to move 12 sMPH. It was on the same line as the Big Boy and they where humping around 60 sMPH. (love the verbal speed read out of the QSI)
Thanks for all the answers, but I am sure this is a none problem. For a change nothing let the smoke out so to speak.\
Not cooking again, Cuda Ken
Ken:
If memory serves (not a given at my age) you have two command stations in a box which is open on the front only. Unimpeded airflow across the heat-sink on the back of the DB xxx is important. That is not too many engines for your command station. If it is truly a thermal shutdown, a fan blowing across the heat-sink would help. First make sure the power supply to your command station is big enough.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe
Phoebe VetIf memory serves (not a given at my age) you have two command stations in a box which is open on the front only.
Age strikes again!! Ken's DB150 sits on his desk, which is in his garage. The command station is not enclosed, so certainly gets some airflow, but without AC running in the garage might get a bit hot. When I was at Ken's yesterday, he did not seem all that bothered by the incident. He has a rather philosophical attitude towards MRR that is neatly summarized in a joke he told one of my boys.
"How do you make a locomotive stop running?"
"Give it to Ken as a gift!"
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
simon1966 Phoebe Phoebe VetIf memory serves (not a given at my age) you have two command stations in a box which is open on the front only. Age strikes again!! Ken's DB150 sits on his desk, which is in his garage. The command station is not enclosed, so certainly gets some airflow, but without AC running in the garage might get a bit hot. When I was at Ken's yesterday, he did not seem all that bothered by the incident. He has a rather philosophical attitude towards MRR that is neatly summarized in a joke he told one of my boys. "How do you make a locomotive stop running?" "Give it to Ken as a gift!"
Did I write that? I forget.
I obviously confused him with someone else.
If it sits on a shelf it's even easier to add the fan...lol. That helps even in a hot garage.
I have not been running the A/C much lately to cut down on expanses. But it was still not that hot. If I ever get to explain the layout then I will add cooling and maybe another booster. Most I normaly run is 3 trains, sometimes 4 but that is it.