I have been using a power supply similar to this one for my DCC layout for the last 5-6 months. If you search on EBay you will find numerous power supplies that are similar to this one. They have different names but the model number is usually 305D. 30VDC-5Amp. The trip circut is faster than the DCC system. The voltage and current are both adjustable.
I paid $51.99 and got free shipping. Cheap!
South Penn
Hmm, I might get one of those to use as a bench power supply for electronics. Seems a bit overkill for layout power - you can get 12 and 15 volt 3-5 amps power supplies for about $10 from the same sort of Chinese suppliers. They aren't adjustable - but once you know what voltage you need to run, a fixed supply is much cheaper, plus no chance of bumping the knobs and frying something. I have a couple of 12V ones I planned to use to distribute accesory power, but I may replace them with 15V versions. Also found on eBay are cheap 1-2 amp DC-DC converters (more efficient than a voltage regulator) so if you need say 4.5 volts for something (I think that's the voltage of the Miller signs), you can tap off your 15 volt power bus with one of those. I've seen those for about $2 each. I'm thinking a 15VAC bus is probably the most versatile - there are plenty of circuits that can be powered by 15VAC, if you need DC, add a bridge and filter capacitor (a few cents) and one of those DC-DC converters for reduced voltage.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I went with this model from Amazon and have no regrets but the price is almost double:
http://www.amazon.com/KORAD-KD3005D-Precision-Adjustable-Regulated/dp/B00FPU6G4E/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1444693752&sr=8-11&keywords=dc+power+supply
I just used it last night to test the current draw on some 1.5 v grain-o-rice lamps. It is a very capable bench power supply.
A very similar model to the one you show is also available from Amazon, the only reason I mention this is the easier ability to make returns at Amazon. I opted for the one I did since it had many positive reviews.
STAY AWAY from anything from Pyramid! I bought one of these,
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PS12KX-13-8-Volt-Power-Supply/dp/B0002JTD1Q/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1444693752&sr=8-50&keywords=dc+power+supply
and it could not even illuminate a automotive lamp that was only drawing 2.3 amps! Amazon let me keep it and refunded my money when I requested a return.
Have fun! Ed
I was wondering. if i wanted to go dcc, do i have to get the whole kit or can i use the controller with a different power supply? I saw one at radio shack that was 12v 3 amps. I have been hunting for over a month for a good deal on a dcc kit, but cannot find one.
I bought the NCE Power Pro 5 Amp system with radio control and the power supply was extra. If I had bought the individual parts the cost would have been higher.
You need to match the power supply to which ever DCC system you are going to buy. Reading the manual for various systems will give you a better idea of what you need.
Check this page for a lot of information on NCE systems. The Power Cab is their starter system. I believe it comes with a power supply. It is fully expandable. www.modeltrainstuff.com has an excellent price for the Power Cab.