gatrhumpy So wait, there are only two connections on the back of the NCE Power Panel. Do I wire the lights to this connection also (where track power is)? Does that mean that the lights will see 2 amps of current? If I connect the lights to the same terminals as the track power, does that mean I can put a switch inline with the lights and I can turn the lights on and off this way? I may just get a very small power pack from a train set, connect it to the fascia on my portable layout, and power the lights that way (along with varying the voltage the lights see).
So wait, there are only two connections on the back of the NCE Power Panel. Do I wire the lights to this connection also (where track power is)? Does that mean that the lights will see 2 amps of current? If I connect the lights to the same terminals as the track power, does that mean I can put a switch inline with the lights and I can turn the lights on and off this way?
I may just get a very small power pack from a train set, connect it to the fascia on my portable layout, and power the lights that way (along with varying the voltage the lights see).
Yes power the lights with a different source of power. The Power Cab should only power the tracks.
Jack W.
You bought a nice DCC system, it should be trouble free for years. I hope you will not have too much problems with the MRC decoder, they don't have a good reputation as far as reliability is concerned.
gatrhumpy I have two questions. What do I used to power the lights on my layout? And finally, I have an inside and outside loop on my N scale layout that are electrically isolated from one another. Can I hook up both loops to the two screws on the terminal of the NCE system (i.e. all four wires)?
I have two questions. What do I used to power the lights on my layout? And finally, I have an inside and outside loop on my N scale layout that are electrically isolated from one another. Can I hook up both loops to the two screws on the terminal of the NCE system (i.e. all four wires)?
I would not be inclined to connect all four wires to the two place connector that plugs into the back of what they call the power panel. What I would do is install a small terminal strip to which I would connect the wires that go to the loops. I'd then connect the two wires from the two place connector to the other side of the terminal strip. Since this is a portable layout, I'd also be inclined to install ring terminals to the ends of the wires so that I could assure myself of reasonable secure connections. Much better, I think, than just looping the wires around the terminal screws. Also, if you install the intermediate terminal strip, I think it makes it easier to track down any electrical power or continuity issues.
Concerning the lights, I think I'd be inclined to find another power source for those. You don't say what the lights are, but the output voltage of the PowerCab is around 14 volts AC, give or take. So if you have lower voltage bulbs or LEDs you either have to come up with voltage dropping components or start out with a lower voltage power supply ini the first place.
I don't see any reason why not just as long as the total amperage doesn't overload the system.
I have the NCE 10 amp system for O scale and I like it a lot except for the fact that to go wireless is pretty expensive. Good luck with your system.
Thanks! I'm excited. I'm a little overwhelmed now reading and programming about CVs and all that.
The Powercab is a nice setup. I bought one to use at the bench to test with. For My dream layout I have the Easy DCC settup with the wireless throttle, for Me this is the most comfortable throttle I've ever had in My hand. You won't look back ,onceYou get the hang of the Powercab, enjoy !
I'm excited. I don't think it will get here by this weekend, which is OK. I bought the NCE PowerCab simply because it's the best option for my portable N scale layout (it's the most compact DCC system on the market). I only need to run 2-3 N scale locos at the same time, and this DCC system is perfect for it.
I also bought MRC's drop-in decoder for the Kato N scale SD-40-2. I hope that WILL come by this weekend.