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QUOTE (Expat @ 29 Feb 2008, 18:06) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>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.
**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
Thanks,
Expat.
**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
