We run 8 amp boosters on our NTRAK layout. Each one is set up to power up to 8 subdistricts. Do we actually need 8 amps? probably not. But to run 8 subdistricts, we'd need to purchase two 5 amp boosters and power supplies. Would also need to run extension cords to those additional power supplies.
There are reasons for 8 amp boosters, they can be obscure.
Martin Myers
Thanks Steve, I can think of a few reasons as well.
The reason I am curious as to the OP's plans is I have had 2 people swear that they needed 8 amps and 5 amps when 3 amps will do in their respective cases. Modern Sound equipped engines draw so little amperage these days.
UPinCTI'm as curious as Joe, Why do you need 8amps? That's quite a lot of power there. Care to share your plans?
Not to speak for the OP, but I can think of a couple reasons off the top of my head:
O scale;
Large HO layout with four, two-amp power districts;
etc.
Sorry. I guess he may have a welding project on tap
Joe
No Joe, I said I'm as curious as you.
To the OP we are still curious as to why the 8amps
Not me. Ask D&HRR
I'm as curious as Joe, Why do you need 8amps? That's quite a lot of power there. Care to share your plans?
rrinker 15V 8amp power supplies are NOT common. Thus the cost isn;t shared with some other industry that uses a thousand times more of them than model railroaders use.
Maybe not common, but they ARE available at a reasonable cost if you know where to look. Take a look at the RS-150-15 available here for $40.99 (click on "Datasheet" for a PDF with the specs).
Disclaimer: I have no interest in this company except as a satisfied customer.
You have to get 8 amp resettable fuses and make up your own wiring harnesses. Depending on the voltage settings you may not actually be able to even drive 2 8 amp boosters fromt he PS2012 - hence the 5 amp fuses. At 12V, ok for N scale setting, you can drive 4 of the 5 amp boosters. You could run 2 of the 8 amp units at that voltage, but crank up to 15V for HO use and you will be right at the limit for a pair of 8 amp boosters.
I've said it before - 8 amp boosters are a false economy. Yes they are only a few dollars more, but the power supply is where they get you. 14-15V 5 amp power supplies are a dime a dozen, they are used all over (witness the new PS514, basically a laptop power supply). 15V 8amp power supplies are NOT common. Thus the cost isn;t shared with some other industry that uses a thousand times more of them than model railroaders use.
Despite claims on Tony's, the MagnaForce power supply is NOT suitable for an 8 amp booster. It's good to about 6 amps. Their own testing shows the voltage dropoff at higher loads.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I dont right now but in the near future I will.
It's designed for multiple 5 amp boosters on layouts that have power districts with high power needs such as clubs running many trains with mu'd sound locos. By the way, why do you need 8 amps?
I have the PS514 and Digitrax said that in order to get the full 8 amps I needed a larger supply. I looked at the PS2012 but I dont understand why they have such a big supply and limit the fuses to 5amps.
Digitrax offers the PS514 for the Super Chief Extra but is a little hazy on it's amp capacity. You could look for an 8 amp power supply from an electronics supplier.
Edit: Tony's says that the PS514 outputs 5.6 Amps at 12 volts
I have a question about the Digitrax PS2012 power supply. I have the super extra chief and it will support 8amps but the PS2012 has 5amp fuses. How do you get the full 8amps out of the Super Extra Chief?