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Power pack

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  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Monday, November 23, 2015 5:27 PM

I did something similar.  I have a power strip inside a box, which has a power pack putting out 15VDC at 4 amps (Common at mouser).  I then split the power supply to supply a PR3, a QSI programmer, and a Sountraxx track programmer.  Then there's the Digitrax Zypher Xtra.  Then there's two 1 meter tracks on top one for programming and one for DCC running.  There's a program switch that allows the soundtraxx or QSI programmer to handle the programming track.

There's a box on the right side which holds tools, and a pad on the left for the controller and switches.  There's two banana jack plugs on the rear incase I want to plug the running side into a layout.  And there's a handle on top to carry it.  I then straped the Zypher Xtra down with velcro so I can peel it off when I want.  There's USB ports on the side incase I want to hook up my Raspberry Pi or Computer to program.  I chopped off the plug of the power strip (that sits inside) and attached it to an IEC standard computer outlet (insulated and fused with a power switch)  So all I have to do to power it is plug in a standard computer power cable and flip the power switch on the right side.  All the electronics are tucked inside.

The whole thing is a little over 3 feet by 8 inches.  It's actually very portable. 

 

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Westchester NY
  • 1,747 posts
Posted by retsignalmtr on Monday, November 23, 2015 6:06 AM

I have built several DCC comand stations in wood boxes for my club and myself to carry Digitrax systems to shows and for use on my home layout and the clubs layouts. I did post pictures of them on other sites. These are home made with cabinet grade materials. Each box contains the DCC power supply, command station, circuit breakers for several power districts, a UR91 and UR92, a strip outlet for 110 volt power, toggle switches to allow track power to be switched from DCC to DC and a rramp meter to keep track of the current draw for the DCC locos. Power pole connectors are used to connect it to the tracks as well as external DC power packs. Included was a drawer to store the manuals, extra batteries and a couple of throttles. I have received requests to build several more for people who have seen them. It is very light and connects quickly to a layout.

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • From: lake placid,n.y.
  • 47 posts
Posted by STANLEY O MONTGOMERY on Monday, November 23, 2015 4:29 AM

this would be a all in one power supply with a dc and dcc and toggle switches for turnouts so you would not need to have a power pack and for dc and a dcc unit and aswitch unit. all you have to do is plug in power and run main wire to layout, i did see on some site someone put all controls into a tool box or somthing like that, it would be handy instead of carrying around a bunch of units incase you want dc or dcc for a layout , hope this helps in explainning

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Sunday, November 22, 2015 5:07 PM
Youll have to explain this box's purpose better. Does it have two modes oof operation or does 1 box supply power to trains dcc and accessoriea dc

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • From: lake placid,n.y.
  • 47 posts
Power pack
Posted by STANLEY O MONTGOMERY on Sunday, November 22, 2015 2:08 PM

I am in the process of combining dcc and dc into one unit, I saw so where some one made all in one power supply in a toolbox, could someone steer me in the right direction for info thanks

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