Thanks. That makes it a little clearer.
I wanted a DT402 throttle, so I purchased a Super EMpire Builder Xtra set, but if you don't need an extra throttle, what you need are a DB150 booster and a suitable power supply, either the PS515 or the MagnaForce MF615. Connection instructions are int he varuous manuals, you'll probably want to set up the DB150 as a booster and use the Zephyr as the command station. This way you still have the independent programmign track with readback feature of the Zephyr. You can run up to 10 locos this way, assuming there's enough power. You could break your layout into two sections, by putting gaps in all the rails at the dividing line, and power one section with the Zephyr and the other with the DB150. Since the Zephyr is 2.5 amps and the DB150 is 5, if you do this break up the layout so that the area witht he most locos runnign is powered by teh DB150. FOr my layout, the 5 amps is plenty, so I do not connect my Zephyr to the track. I use the 2.5 amops to run my stationary decoders so it doesn't use power that would otherwise go to runnign trains.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Could you explain that in a little more detail? What power supply? What do I need in addition to the Zephyr system? Thanks.
I have a Zephyr as the command station with a DB150 hooked up as a booster - 5 amps to the track, I use the Zephyr output to drive stationary decoders so they are not suckign the railroad power.
Thanks. I was kind of afraid of that. I like the Zephyr, but would like a little more power.
The Zephyr can only supply 2.5 amps to the track. Changing the power supply to a 5 amp one will NOT allow the Zephyr to put more power to the track. You may have to add a booster, or switch the cars to LED lighting so they don't draw so much power. Idle sound locos just hissing away draw very little power.
Could a 5 amp power supply be used with the Zephyr just for running trains. The lights in my passenger cars, and the sound locos sitting around the layout rumbling away, have reduced the number of locos I can run to about four.
I'm curious if the Zephyrs overload indicator triggers from excess amps going through the controller, or reduced voltage from the power supply due to overload. If the overload is triggered by excess amps over 2 1/2, then nothing would be gained from a 5 amp power supply. But if the overload indicator is tripped by voltage drop from the power supply, then a 5 amp power supply would power more locos.
thanks everyone, I think I know what to do now. I will leave the Zypher with the 2.5 amp PS it came with. I have a few of the Tortise machines running off an old HO power pack with about 9 volts coming out. I guess I can use the PS515 for the turntable and maybe for some other applications (like a booster if I need one later on). I do have a regulated 15 vdc power supply from a PulseWidth throttle system I don't use anymore and it is rated at 5 amps also, maybe even use it for the Tortise SM's with a resistor to bring it down to 9 vdc.
It is really great to have so many knowledgable hobbyist's out there. thanks again,
Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Tortoises are very low current draw, but they need DC, so you'd have to rectify and filter the output of the PS515. And filter it. Tortoises 'buzz' a bit when run on unfiltered DC. And 15V it too much for them. They are rated for 12V but work much quieter at 9V - with a 12V suppyl simply putting some indicator LEDs in series witht he motor drops the voltage enough plus gives you panel lights.
According to the Walther's instruction sheet, the turntable drive requires 12 to 19 volts AC or DC at 500mA (1/2 Amp) but works best at 15 volts. That's 1/10 the current output of the power supply, and, your understanding is right, the motor will only draw as much current (Amps) as it needs. Most people have recommended a fuse or circuit breaker in this line, I'd recommend a 3/4 to 1 Amp breaker.
I can't find any info on what the Tortise motors draw for current, but since these are constantly energized, you may want to split them into zones and each zone have a separate fuse or circuit breaker to ease troubleshooting when needed (notice I didn't say "if").
Bob,For starters, leave the Zephyr's power supply with the Zephyr. That's what it's made for. IIRC, the Z's power supply is only 12v, while most others are 14v for HO scale. They did this so it's compatible with N-Scale, but it's a little underpowered for HO. It still works fine, but it is less. Putting an HO power supply at more than 12v would not be a good idea at all with the Zephyr. If something is made for 12v, it better get 12v or you will possible release the magic smoke that makes it work properly.
Secondly, as long as you don't try to use more amps than the supply is rated for, the amp rating on any power supply is irrelevant. It could be 10,000 amps and if your DCC system only pulled 2.5 amps it would still be okay. Think of it like your house wiring. Say you have a 15 amp circuit in your home, and you plug in a light that uses 1 amp. No harm done. But say you plug in 16 or more of those 1 amp lights in the same circuit, and you'll blow the breaker (this would be bad). See, if you have enough amps, you're fine. If you don't have enough amps, things start to melt.
Paul A. Cutler III
Perhaps it would come in handy with the appropriate booster and a number of sound equipped locos in the same block?
If the VOLTAGE is appropriate, the 5 amp maximum output only becomes an issue if you want to exceed 5 amps total load. You might do that with my total catenary motor roster (12 locos, 20 open frame juice-hog motors) or >250 Tortoises. Lesser loads - no problem.
If total current to a specific load MIGHT become a problem, you can always insert a current limiter (automotive lamp) in the circuit for that load.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with a motley assortment of power supplies)
I agree, and I probably know as little as you about electronics. If the TT is new, and I might wish to exchange it or have it repaired under warranty, I would be averse to using a power supply with a voltage and amp delivery rating higher than their literature states is acceptable. Yes, the 5 amp power source will only provide what the draw is, but if you have a loco derail on the TT and the TT wants to turn, will the motor burn up when it stalls? How will you explain it?
The Walthers Built-up TT can use either DC or AC, but in the range specified. In my case, I phoned around and talked to an electronics supplier who said he happened to have a used power supply within the specs, and it was AC [16.5 v, and tested at max 0.5 amp]. He wanted quite a few more bucks than I thought he would, but he agreed to take it back if it turned out to be unsuitable. Four years later, it works very well.
Crandell
I wouldn't combine power supplies. Keep the PS315 that came with the Zephyr powerign the Zephyr. You can use the PS5-5 to power other stuff, but rememebr it's an AC power supply. Tortoises require DC. Not sure about the Walthers turntable. 5 amps is way overkill for all this - I'd go to Radio Shack and get a couple of fuse holders and fuses to limit the current to these other devices. For 20 Tortoises, use a 1/2 amp fuse. For the turntable - you'll have to see what the requirements are. Use the next slightly higher fuse so you don't have fuses blowign for no good reason but they will blow rather then allow the full 5 amps to pass into the device in the event of a fault.
This may be a silly question but I don't know if this power supply is too much. I have a Digitrax Zypher with the 2.5 amp power supply. I also have a Digitrax (PS-515) 5 amp power supply that I am not currentlly using for anything. I also have a Walthers 130' turntable with auto controls that runs off 12-19 vac. My question is: can I use the 5 amp ps to run the Zypher and the turntable or would it cause any damage to either one? My understanding of electronics is limited and I always though that the amperage is only a measure of what is available and as long as I don't overload it (5 amps) it won't be a problem. I also though of powering my 20 turnout motors (Tortise) with this PS as well.
Any help or suggestions on this would greatly reduce my anxiety over using the PS-515.
PS: I also have several old HO power packs that could power the turntable but I was trying to condense my electronics under the layout.