More voltage...

I need 2 to 4 more volts from my DCC system to get some slow locomotives up to speed. They will get up to speed at 14 to 15 vdc on my old MRC tech2. On NCE powercab, I am only getting 11.5 ac to the track. N scale decoders should be good up at least 16 vac. Anybody have any experience in this?

 

I have already ordered the NCE 515 Power supply. The NCE Pro Cab has a variable VAC (per NCE Manual) for large scale and multiple locomotives. It also has an adjustable output to the track. I run several Athearn and Intermountain steam locos that are just slow runners. As I have always preached, I can slow down any DCC locomotive with CVs but you can't speed them up. If I can get 70 SMPH out of my Cab Forwards and Challengers, everything else can be tuned down to ward off damage.

From what I read, all/most decoders can take 16 to 18 vac with no damage. 20 to 24 can cause problems.

Next I an waiting for an email from a supplier to see what he can get me a Pro Cab system for. I prefer to patronize our Trainboard advertisers.

Hopefully this will bring my voltages up to around 14 volts with the adjustable output.

Somebody tell me if they think I am leaning too heavy on the throttle.

 

I’m not sure 2v will do it, my cabforward did 36 mph with about 16 boxcars behind it.
I think it would either be a better motor with twice the rpm, or regearing it to get it to 70.

In contrast my GS4 was doing a scale 90 at the same settings.

 

I have other motives in going with a new system. My old power cab controller is flat worn out. I have had trains take off by themselves from a standing start. All you have to do is bump the controller on the housing and it will take off sometimes. It is time for an upgrade.

 

Look forward to your insights, one day I will have to get a bigger system also.

 

A bigger power supply is on the way as is a new Pro Cab. I hope to see an AC-8 polling an extra mail train and perishables thundering around a bend at 70 mph with side rods pounding.

I did get my AC-12 back from Intermountain. Tuned up the running gear and she is running just like new. Still 45 MPH. LOL!

 

I hope against hope that someone will come out with a remote kit to at least get them to do 65. I’d be happy at 65, because then I could run 50-55 in normal circumstances.

 

At this point in time I was told by Intermountain that they are no where near ready make another production run even if they did change the gearing and motor. I have not been inside one to know what the gearing looks like in the ACs.

I do need to pull the shell off.

 

Hi Randy -
I can't tell for sure from your post, but are you planning to use the NCE 515 power supply with your Power Cab system? If so, that will void the factory warranty on your Power Cab. See:
https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/203935645-Adding-more-power-capacity-to-the-Power-Cab

If I misunderstood your post ... never mind!

- Jeff

 

Hi gang,

for what it is worth I agree with Jeff.

As far as both of your IM AC-12's go I do not think you are going to get 70smph out of them, whatever you do. Richard, I saw your's running, engineered by your lovely wife, at our open house and I will say that it ran exactly the same as my AC-12 and two others run by different guys over the years. I still have mine, in several pieces and parts. May try to re-assemble some day.


Always, have fun,
Carl

 

I got the new system up and running this evening. I bought the P515. I don't know where you are coming from on the "Void your system" but the inside cover containing the Basic Set up of 5 Amp Power Pro System clearly states that the NCE N515 is the preferred transformer.

Did you think I was going to try it with the old PowerCab system? My original system has bit the dust and will only be used as an extra cab after I send it back in for repair.

For all who have been interested, the extra power and added 3 volts to the rails (approx) does matter. I haven't put a stop watch on them yet but both the AC-12 and my Challengers run faster. Especially the Challenger.I am turning down my FEFs and GS4s to reduce top end. It really made a difference getting over the 11.5 volts that the old PowerCab put out. If you really want more you can tune the output voltage of the Power Pro but right now I am quite happy.

Still ave to put in a permanent programming track so I read back CVs but it is good for running tonight. Also will need a shelf to hold the Power Pro and P515. Definitely going to need a longer 4 wire coiled cord. I debated going wireless but that can come later.

 

Randy,
Glad it worked out for you. I apologize that I totally overlooked your purchase of the Power Pro. Our club layout only has 11.5v, entirely too low, so perhaps we should kick it up to 13.5-13.8v. BTW, my "old" Powercab puts 13.8v on track.

Anyway, glad it works for you, so have fun,
Carl

 

Not a problem. I am getting 13.64 vac.The old system was 11.4 range. I put a Cab Forward on the stop watch last night and it ran a mile in 1.12 minutes. I would estimate it at about 55.mph. I was pulling 6 older Kato baggage cars and 1 observation on the end. I might get a little more out of but I am pleased for now. The problem I see with the Cab Forwrards is the max out at about 1/2 throttle. I have one with a Digitrax decoder no sound, and another with Loksound but it makes little difference.

 

Hi Randy -

As I said in my earlier post:

I can't tell for sure from your post, but are you planning to use the NCE 515 power supply with your Power Cab system? If so, that will void the factory warranty on your Power Cab.​

Now that I understand you were not intending to use the 515 power supply with your Power Cab, I'm glad the 515 gave you what you need!

Have fun!

- Jeff

 

I can see where my posts could have confused you guys as to my intentions. It all worked out. I received probably 10 years out of my power cab and it was fine till the big steam was sucking too much juice and the thumb wheel died on the power cab controller. $600.00 was more than I could justify for my 1st dcc system not knowing if i would like it. The Jury us in, won't run anything but dcc and NCE is just to easy to use. I already picked up some extra utp panels so I can change positions and keep the trains moving. Thank you all for your support and help. I am sure I will be calling on you again for advise.

Hey Carl, you don't have another EM-1 sitting around do you? HAH!!!