I use the NCE power cab.My track is a shelf type layout 30in wide around a 22ft by 12ft room.I use 14g wire bus and 20g feeders every 5 ft and every section.Does the size of the layout matter or is it the amount of draw from the Locos that matters as for as the limit of the power cab.And do Locos just sitting their not running draw power.These question or still not clear to me.Thanks Bob
Bob,
It's the amount of current draw that matters, not the size of the layout (as long as it's wired properly, and it sounds like yours is). But besides locos, the total current draw would also include anything else (such as stationary decoders) that use track power.
As for locos that are just sitting, yes, they draw a small amount of "idle" power, or else they wouldn't be able to respond when you do send them a command. Exactly how much would depend on sound or not, whether any functions are turned on, and of course the decoder itself.
At SOME point it would start to make more sense to add extra boosters with shorter bus runs than keep using heavier and heavier bus wire to prevent voltage drops, but 12x22 isn't it, yet. 50x200? Yeah, it would probably cost less to get a few extra boosters rather than use wire heavy enough to prevent voltage drop on a 200 foot run - not to mention how hard it would be to work with such heavy wire. Even if you only run one loco and the base system has plenty of power. Now, not too many people have the luxury of a hanger-size layout, for more practical size layouts then it's entirely on how many locos you intend to run at one time and how much current they draw.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
At idle (all functions off) the amount of current being drawn is negligable, unless maybe you have 50 or more engines on the tracks. If all functions are off, it doesn't matter what kind of decoder/system it is, sound or not.
With the PowerCab, you shouldn't have any problem running 6-8non sound locos, maybe 4-6 with sound simultaneously.
Jay
C-415 Build: https://imageshack.com/a/tShC/1
Other builds: https://imageshack.com/my/albums
The nice thing about the power cab is you can get a readout of the current draw.
If you question how much an idle loco is drawing, place it on the layout by itself and take a reading.
Springfield PA
fender777I use the NCE power cab.My track is a shelf type layout 30in wide around a 22ft by 12ft room.I use 14g wire bus and 20g feeders every 5 ft and every section.Does the size of the layout matter or is it the amount of draw from the Locos that matters as for as the limit of the power cab.And do Locos just sitting their not running draw power.These question or still not clear to me.Thanks Bob
Nice Layout Driline
Thanks for all the help and unfo.I am not having any problems I was just wondering how much the size made compared to Engins used.I can run 3 with sound at ease it seems.Nice layout Draline.Here is a link to my album of toys and hobbies.I also do astrophotography music and slot cars.Never grew up I guess.My layout is just starting so not much to look at.Thanks Bob
http://tinyurl.com/2cvegaf
fender777Thanks for all the help and unfo.I am not having any problems I was just wondering how much the size made compared to Engins used.I can run 3 with sound at ease it seems.Nice layout Draline.Here is a link to my album of toys and hobbies.I also do astrophotography music and slot cars.Never grew up I guess.My layout is just starting so not much to look at.Thanks Bob http://tinyurl.com/2cvegaf
Gee Bob, I didn't realize you were such a cute blonde
Nice album and train layout. I like the work table down the center of room. It looks like it makes it much simpler to work on the layout. I also like the media room with the Star Wars stuff on the other side of the two car garage. At least I'm guessing that's how you have it set up. I assume you don't have basements in your neck of the woods? Here in Iowa it would be too cold to have a layout in the garage year round.