DCC Systems are selected based on needs of locomotive capacity and operator capacity. The general rule of thumb is two locos per amp in HO scale, and four per amp in N-scale. You only count the number of locos actually running, not parked.
N Scale Motor = 0.25A. Maximum engines = 2A / 0.25A = 8 Engines.
HO, S, On30 Scale Motor = 0.5A Maximum engines = 2A / 0.50A = 4 Engines.
O Scale Motor = 1.0A Maximum engines = 2A / 1.00A = 2 Engines.
The Power Cab is a complete self contained starter set with 2 amp capacity / 13.8v - suitable for Z, N, HO, S, and On3 scales.
This information was provided by Mark Gurries via his fantastic DCC Website and Updated by NCE.
https://sites.google.com/site/mgurriesncedcc/home/nce-powercab/powercab-power-ratings
1)What is the Power Cab's Current Rating?
SIMPLE ANSWER: The maximum continuous current rating is the same as the OUTPUT current rating printed on the NCE supplied power supply.
LONG ANSWER: The answer depends on the PowerSupply you connect to it as long as it rated at 3amp or less. See question 4 for more info.The replacement Power Supply for this kit is a P114 (5240221) or equivalent. Use of ANY other Power Supply is not recommended and will void your factory warranty.
2) How many Engines can I run on my Power Cab? (Motors made in 1985 or newer but excluding brass engines)
2) How many Engines can I run on my Power Cab? (Motors made in 1985 or newer but excluding brass engines)
First thing you need to know is the engine will only consume power of any consequence when the motor is running. Engines sitting still on the track with only background sound and headlights on do not consume enough current to worry about. So the better question to ask is: How many MOVING Engines can I run on my PowerCab?
Simple Answer: If you make some good assumptions about the current rating of the motors, then a worst case (most conservative) number of engines is possible. Assume the PowerCab is rated at 2 Amps.
N Scale Motor = 0.25A. Maximum engines = 2A / 0.25A = 8 Engines.
HO, S, On30 Scale Motor = 0.5A Maximum engines = 2A / 0.50A = 4 Engines.
O Scale Motor = 1.0A Maximum engines = 2A / 1.00A = 2 Engines.
Because the only time you can draw this much current continuously from the motor is when the train has a full load going upgrade at a high rate of speed and just making it up the hill. In practice nobody does that and as a consequence, the actual motor current needed is far less. In other words, you can typically run a lot more engines (1.5x) with no problems.
3) I fear my motors will overload the Power Cab. How can I tell if I need to upgrade the power or not?
Two ways to find out.
METHOD 1: Run and test. Run all the trains you plan on running at the same time on the layout that are realistically manageable. Realistically Manageable? Anyone can run more trains, the question is can you keep them all under control so they never run into each other or crash somehow. As soon as you get going, you will quickly find out if you have enough power or current. The PowerCab will shutdown and restart with no harm done. If the Power Cab does NOT shutdown, your good to go. Either way, you will find out your answer.
METHOD 2: Measure each engine and calculate. The Power Cab can measure the amount of current being used FOR YOU! How cool is that? This will let you see for yourself how much actual current is being used.
Follow these steps.
a) Go to the SET UP THE CAB PARAMETERS menu. Press "ENTER" key.
b) Display will now say: "SHOW TRK CURRENT 1=Y". Press "1" key.
b) Display will now say: "SHOW TRK CURRENT 1=Y". Press "1" key.
c) Press PROG/ESC key.
The clock display will be temporarily replaced by the current meter display. If you attempt to do any programming or cycle power, the clock display will be restored. Now place the engine of concern on the track connected to a train you plan on running with the engine. Run the engine on the worst part of the layout (heavy grade and/or on a sharp curve) but at the speed you plan to run the engine at. It is best to remove all other engines from the track so you can get a good accurate reading of JUST the engine current your running. You will notice the maximum current is a function of the speed and where it is running on the layout. The display will show the current consumed by the engine giving you the actual number. Note the highest current you saw. That is your actual current giving you a better understanding of how much current it will consume. Repeat for all your engines of concern. (Note: The number is much less than the stall current rating of the motor. If you do not know what that means, do not worry about it.)
4) What is the Power Cab's Maximum Current Rating? (Using a non NCE Power Supply) The NCE manual say:
Power Input Requirements: 10-15V regulated DC, 3A maximum
Power Connector: 5.5mm x 2.5mm center positive
The replacement Power Supply for this kit is a P114 (5240221) or equivalent
Use of ANY other Power Supply is not recommended and will void your factory warranty.
What you need to know.
a) The NCE Power Cab does not regulate the track voltage. The power supply does. Hence the DCC track voltage is about the same as the power supply's DC output voltage rating. So get a power supply that is somewhere between 12VDC and 14VDC. A 13.8VDC is a common voltage the emulates a car battery voltage.
a) The NCE Power Cab does not regulate the track voltage. The power supply does. Hence the DCC track voltage is about the same as the power supply's DC output voltage rating. So get a power supply that is somewhere between 12VDC and 14VDC. A 13.8VDC is a common voltage the emulates a car battery voltage.
b) The NCE Power Cab does not set the current limit. The power supply does. Hence the Power Cab current rating is the same as the power supply's current rating. However, if the current exceeds 3 Amps, the NCE Power Cab will shutdown to protect itself. So one must be very careful about the selection of the power supply used with the Power Cab.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
A) You cannot run 3 Amps continuously for the Power Cab. It will overheat with the Power Cab shell deforming due to the high heat build up. It is strongly recommended you use multiple DCC circuit breaker with each set 2 amp trip current for the layout. The Power Cab feeds all of these circuit breaker which then feed the various parts of the layout. The DCC circuit breakers will isolate any short circuit and protect the Power Cab from over heating when there is a short circuit.
B) The Power Cab long flat cable will lose a lot of voltage and may get warm when running a lot of trains. The cable and associated telco RJ jacks and plugs are not really designed to support 3 Amp efficiently.
5) What do I do if I need more current than offered by the Power Cab?
Upgrade the Power Cab system to use a NCE SB5 Smart Booster. This is a combination Command Station PLUS 5 Amp booster in a single box. It is the intended power upgrade path for the Power Cab. It will allow your Power Cab to be unplugged and used like any other cab. You also keep your Power Cab and associated PCP panel for the programming test bench where it will do the most good as a Power Cab.
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