DC | Power, Controllers, Wiring, etc.

[tgindy]

Inspired by recent thread "Who runs DC only?" -- We see there is still a wider than expected use of DC, instead of DCC, for layouts.

Question:  What are today's best ways to power & equip a layout with DC power, DC controllers, etc.?  What DC resources work?

I'm "still mulling" staying with DC for CR&T -- A two-level, u-shaped, N Scale traction-oriented layout interchanging with the Pennsy -- In a sense, two layouts within one layout.  CR&T is not a massive walk-around layout with walkways.

Part of my DCC concern, are PCC & small diesel conversions to DCC -- Let alone, how traction modifications are already complicated enough going to live overhead (i.e. NCAT standards).

Mid-1970s DC pack(s) from my last layout are quite out-dated.  So, whether it is DC, or DCC, new equipment needs to be purchased.

Yes:  I've researched DCC's benefits and systems, and; I'm not asking for another "DCC vs. DC" thread.  However, I am looking for "equivalent DC experience" from MR Forum members, as to what currently works for today's DC layouts.

[Soo Line fan]

tgindy

Question:  What are today's best ways to power & equip a layout with DC power, DC controllers, etc.?  What DC resources work?

You can't go wrong with MRC packs. Stay away from the old steel cased models, the Tech II series and up work well with todays engines.

If you want cheap, go on ebay and pick up a pair. You should be able get a couple for 25-35 each for the Tech IIs. The Tech IVs are a little higher and so on up through todays Tech VII series but as you mentioned N scale, they may be overkill. The MRC site has some good specs on many of the packs.

For hand helds you can build your own or this company http://www3.sympatico.ca/kstapleton3/851.HTM makes a good one.

 

[doctorwayne]

I use the walk-around throttle shown in the link below.  I run mine off the AC terminals of an MRC Controlmaster 20, but it will also work with DC input.

kstapleton

This is very similar to the power output of DCC decoders, and allows good speed control over the full range of the throttle.  I'm using the 3 amp version, and have run more than a dozen locos at a time (not independently controlled, of course, but it has lots of power available).  I use 25' 'phone-type cable for the handheld controller, which allows easy access to much of the layout, but can also unplug and move to a different output jack while the train continues moving.
The specifications and power requirements are outlined in the link.

Wayne

[tgindy]

Thanks for the "DC Update" and in particular the PWM Walk-Around Throttle(s).  I've never seen these handhelds -- And in DC no less!  My hunch is that the throttles are a "well-kept secret" to many model railroaders.

DC is looking more + more like the answer for CR&T's needs to keep things simple minus greater complexity.  "Who Runs DC Only" thread also continues to peak one's interest.

[rrinker]

 It's sort of a vicious cycle. I've seen some pretty fancy layouts featured in the model press and if there's a shot of the control panels, it's a bunch of MRC power packs. There are better control systems, with memory walkaround even (heck, MRC used to sell one...) but it seems the market is small so they don;t have the budgets to take out half page ads in magazines, so no one knows about them other than someone who already uses a particular brand.

 I think if I wasn;t already using DCC, I'd probably just build my own DC throttles. There are plenty of example circuits out there, and none are really all that complicated. I might build something that uses a digital connection between the handheld and base power unit, so that the plug in bus could just be one set of 3 or 4 wires, instead of each plug location having 5 or 6 plugs, one for each cab. That would also enable fairly easy wireless - there are enough ad on shields for Aurdinos at this point that it would be mostly off the shelf electronics and the programming for a throttle wouldn;t be terribly complex.

                    --Randy