I am new to DCC and have not bought anything yet. I will be running at the most 3 N scale locomotives on my layout. Layout is an L shape (2) 30"x80" . How much amps do the new DCC sound equiped locos use so that I can properly calculate what DCC system would meet my needs.
0.25 amps or less.
My HO scale locos draw about 0.50 amps.
Rich
Alton Junction
I did a test not long ago on my clubs N layout to determine the current draw of locos so I could set the aux circuit breakers for safe operation. I ran three Atlas B23-7's MU'ed, one with MRC sound, pulling 20 cars. Two Lifelike FA's MU'ed, pulling 12 cars and an E8 with sound pulling 10 passenger cars. Running at scale speed the six locos current draw on my RRamp meter was .81 amps. The three Atlas locos drew .30 amps total. The two LL FA's drew .30 amps, and the E8 drew .21 amps. After this test I set each of the PSX series circuit breakers at 1.2 amps as our Digitrax Empire Builder puts out 5 amps.
The Digitrax Zephyr xtra is rated at 3.5 amps. I hope this helps you.