We are a club with about 640 ft of mainline and recently upgraded to a Digitrax DCS240. Instead of going for the ps2012 we chose:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/30V-10A-Precision-Variable-Digital-DC-Power-Supply-Adjustable-Dual-Clip-Cable/292156190197?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%
So far, it is working well and we are pleased with its operation.
Also, you may want to place a small 8 inch fan near the back of your boosters as we have done for about 20 years. Our boosters do not overheat with this cooling method.
And 17 locos, unless they are all actually running, not just standing still, should stress 10 amps total of power, unless they are all collected in one area with a single 5 amps. Unless they are like that other fellow's Bachmann sound loco that draws over half an amp sitting still - that is highly abnormal
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
What is over heating? Assuming it is the boosters, you really need to either add a booster or two or redistribute the power you have.
Changing power supplies is not going to allow your boosters to run cooler. They are getting the 5 amps they need from your power supplies. Running hot means you are close to the limits of the booster outputs. Increasing power supply won't increase the booster's limits.
Make sure your boosters have plenty of free air to cool themselves.You might try a small fan to get cool air moving across their heat sinks that are on the rear of the case.
Martin Myers
Thanks, just out of curiosity, would I be able to feed both the dcs100 & db150 off the 10 amp one?
If so, how?
I use a power supply similar to this one.
17 locomotives all with sound.
4 ds64's
12 tortoise motors
12 Pecos
People who know more than I do might want to know:
how many locos, with or without sound are you running on each booster?
are these supplying accessory lighting, switch motors etc?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Good morning all,
I'm running Digitrax Dcs 100 & Db 150,
Each have there own Digitrax 5amp supply, noticing that they are getting very hot lately, and starting to experience some booster shutdowns
The ps2012 seams a bit pricey $$$
Any suggestions for an inexpensive reliable power supply?