I had a question to throw out to you guys: I just received a couple TCS CN-GP decoders that I plan to use to convert a few of my N-scale Atlas GP-7s (circa 1995). On the decoder package, it mentions that the decoder pulls a constant 1 amp. If anyone has used these decoders, is that accurate? I thought that sounded kind of high?
Thanks for any help.
You misread or misunderstood.
The decoder is rated for up to 1 amp continuous or 2 amps peak. The decoder doesn't draw a constant 1 amp.
Peter
wow .. big difference. Thanks for clearing that up!
To be clear on this, the decoder itself will "draw" very little current to power the electronic components on the board.
The locomotive motor will have the greatest current draw followed by any lighting.
1 Amp constant and 2 Amp peak are the specifications of how much motor current draw the decoder electronics can handle. If the motor pulls more current than the decoder can handle it can result in the failure of the decoder.
This is kind of like a fuse, put a 1 Amp rated fuse into a circuit that pulls 2 amps and poof!!
This is why many DCC installers recommended measuring the maximum current draw of the motor when the locomotive is stalled and then choose a decoder that can handle it, or replace the motor with lower current demands.
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