My Zephyr runs about 4 locos with sound, and half a dozen others sitting around the layout rumbling away. When I try to run a fifth loco, the breaker starts cutting out. To be fair, there is also a passenger train somewhere on the layout, with lights in the cars, drawing power.
I don't run more than three trains at once, but most have two or three powered locos. But I'm happy with the Zephyr.
Good plan. I've seen a Zephyr run 10 trains, half with sound, on a 20 x 30 layout. It will handle your requirements without being plugged into the wall. Okay, you do have to plug it in.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Thanks guys, I think I will just get the power supply that comes with the Zephyr and use the other for powering accessories, maybe all the Tortise machines I have started to install. I only paid $70 for the Zephyr and $40 for the ps.
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Connecting it may be an issue, as the Zephyr uses a barrel connector for the power input (which comes on the PS315), but the PS515 only has bare wires.
You can't just 'boost' the output with a simple power supply, DCC requires a booster to generate additional power, which in the case od the Digitrax DB150 would use that PS515 power supply to power it. However, 3-4 locos, even HO with sound, are not going to overload the basic Zephyr. An extra booster is not needed here. Best bet is to get the proper power supply and either return the PS515 or use it for accessory power.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
you can use what you want really, the zephyr isn't going to take more power than it needs. to be safe just put a suitably rated fuse inline between the PSU and the Zephyr so if for some reason the zephyr decides it wants more than the fuse can carry, it blows the fuse.
I just purchased a Zephyr DCS50 without a power supply and ordered a DS515 5 amp ps for it. I didn't think about checking to see if it was compatible with the Zephyr. I don't have the Zephyr yet as it was shipped yesterday. My question is: can I use the 5 amp Digitrax power supply or do I have to go with the 2.5 amp DS315 one that ususally comes with the set? I plan on running as many as 4 engines at one time; a Genesis ABA F3 consist (one w/sound) and possibly a Big Boy (Rivarossi -newer one with can motor.). I was afraid that would be too much for the 2.5 amp PS. I have about 150 feet of mainline track. Any suggestions and if the 5 amp PS is too much to put on the DCS50, how can I use the 5 amp PS to further boost the system. This is my first DCC system and I am not sure that I started with the best equipment.
Thanks, Bob