[Chinahand]

Hi Guys,

I have an ESU ECoS DCC Controller which has a power output of 4 amps and am trying to decide if I need to add a booster or not.

I have a mix of GF, Dapol and Peco Locos (12 in all) but cannot find the power consuption of each of the locos. (There is a list of them on another thread) With a branch line shuttle, a couple of main line tail chasers and shunting operations I envisage running a maximum of 5 or 6 locos at any one time. Point motors, Turntable & layout lighting are run from separate 16v & 12v transformers. Can anyone advise if I need to boost the ESU's 4 amp power output.

Regards,

Expat.

 

[Chinahand]

I'm not actually 'up & running' yet so can't test the power draw-down of my locos. I just need some general info for guidance at this stage. If the max draw-down for each loco is 0.5 amp then I should, as you say, be OK but if that rises to nearer 1 amp it looks as though a booster will be necessary.

Thanks,

Expat.

 

[Chinahand]

QUOTE (Richard Johnson @ 29 Feb 2008, 13:44) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>**Hi

(1) You are running N scale from memory. If any loco is drawing more than 100Ma during standard running and 150Ma under heavy load I will be very very surprised. ECOS alone will deliver enough power for running with ease.

(2) You do NOT need a booster but it will be wise to break the layout into several isolatable power areas for troubleshooting AND to allow you to use circuit breakers so a short in one area will not shut the layout down.

(3) Rail Voltage: The ECOS rail voltage is far too high as supplied even for OO/HO, and really MUST be dropped for N or it will be way, way too hard on your loco's. ESU offer an exchange transformer for N scale users but that will take a lot of time and cost to return the old one/get the replacement and it is STILL too high in voltage anyway.

(3) I would suggest that the easiest way to drop the voltage is either:

a/ use a different transformer with no more than 12~15 volts output as the PS for ECOS.

b/ Actual lowest cost and easiest way to drop voltage is to make two strings of standard low cost 4 amp diodes (IN4004 is the part number) diodes and then reverse one of them, connecting both together in a parralel string and then placing this in one of the lead between the PS and the ECOS...

(5) Each diode will drop 3/4 of a volt. I would suggest for N scale with original ECOS transformer 8 of them in each series string - this will drop rail voltage to about 12.5 volts which is plenty for N, OO or HO!

Regards

Richard
DCCconcepts

Hi Richard,

Yes you are right in thinking I am (will be) running N Gauge and many thanks for your input which has probably saved me from some very expensive problems in the future.

I will have to see if I can track down theose diodes here in Dubai though I'm not particularly well practiced in this sort of thing so may need some help in putting it together.

Just for clarification, you say install these diodes between the ECoS and the PS. By this do you mean in the lead between the ECoS and the DCC track bus ?.

Regards,

Expat.