Large Scale Central

NEC DCC and added track power 10 AMPS

I would like to know in simple terms in using NEC DCC in G scale engines do I hookup the DCC system in the normal way to the track, then do I add more AMPS (say 10 AMPS) to the track thru a separate power system so I can run the G scale engines, in other words, will the two different power systems work together, or do they need to be divided someway. What is the correct way to do this.

trainman

John,

The 10A power supply is wires into the NEC booster; the NEC command station also plugs into the booster; the output from the booster is then wired to the track. This isn’t regular DC; the DCC is power with the command signals overlaid on it.

On larger layouts, say, 100+ feet of track, you can split your wires to the track and tie them in at one or more different places (like at opposite ends of a loop, or far ends of a point-to-point). This multi-point tie-in can help overcome irregularities in joiner conductivity.

Here’s some further info from Greg, who’s been into these details for many moons:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/dcc/dcc-wiring-tips

https://elmassian.com/index.php/dcc/my-implement

However, are you talking about running DC and DCC on the same layout? I don’t think you can do that simultaneously; as far as I know (and someone please correct me if I’m not) it has to be one or the other, DC or DCC (perhaps via swapping connectors at the feed to the track).

To enable DC and DCC controllers I use a DPDT center off switch to select which one I want to use. Why centeroff?? This guarantees no power can occur between the DC and DCC systems plus I can test a club member/friend power supply and engine on my track. SInce I have 3 different loops, my DCC can go to all 3 at the same time, or by toggling my DPDT switch I can have a single track be DC.

Cliff Jennings said:

John,

The 10A power supply is wires into the NEC booster; the NEC command station also plugs into the booster; the output from the booster is then wired to the track. This isn’t regular DC; the DCC is power with the command signals overlaid on it.

On larger layouts, say, 100+ feet of track, you can split your wires to the track and tie them in at one or more different places (like at opposite ends of a loop, or far ends of a point-to-point). This multi-point tie-in can help overcome irregularities in joiner conductivity.

Here’s some further info from Greg, who’s been into these details for many moons:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/dcc/dcc-wiring-tips

https://elmassian.com/index.php/dcc/my-implement

However, are you talking about running DC and DCC on the same layout? I don’t think you can do that simultaneously; as far as I know (and someone please correct me if I’m not) it has to be one or the other, DC or DCC (perhaps via swapping connectors at the feed to the track).

Thanks Cliff, so what you are saying is I will have to use a NCE Booster and run my 10 amp supply thru it. I have the NCE Booster on my HOn3 layout, not because it’s needed for power, but gives me more flexibility using the Controller. I will not be running DC power, so it will just be DCC control.

trainman

John, yep, gotta have the booster. Their Power Pro 10A system includes it’s own booster and command station in separate devices, whereas the 5A system has them combined. Here’s a couple pages from the Power Pro manual to show the differences, in case that helps.