I plan to purchase DCC equipment in the next week or so. My question: I will need a transformer........what would be the best one to buy???
It really depends on the DCC system you are buying. Assuming you are buying an entry level system rated at 5 amps or less I would recommend the Digitrax PS 515. You can get it for around $40 from discounters. It doesn't require any assembly. If you don't mind working with AC house current I would recommend the XFR8 from Tony's Train Exchange http://www.ttx-dcc.com. It goes for $37, puts out 8 amps, has circuit breaks on both the input and output, but it does require assembly. The advantage of the XFR8 is that with 8 amps available your 5 amp system will, at maximum, be only taxing the XFR8 at about 62% of its rated capacity. You won't risk overheating and voltage sags when you have shorts on the layout. And you will have shorts.
I used the one available from Tony's Train Exchange. Assembly is required for that power supply. You can pick up a project box from Radio Shack to put it in. There are other power supplies out there. You will have to check the voltage coming out of the power supply. The one I got from Tony's ran a little higher than what was suggested by NCE. So I had to follow the supplemental intructions that came with NCE on how to make a bridge rectifier diode, which cost me about another $6, but it brought the voltage down within the acceptable range. Good Luck.
I agree that it depends on what system you are buying, as well as what your power needs are, your ability/experience/comfort with electrical projects and the amount of time you have to devote to the project. Having little experience, time, (and the opportunity to get a great discount), I chose the Digitrax PS515 (ready-built) power supply to go with my Chief II system. Only two wires to connect.... Harold
I bought two un-assembled power supply kits (Model Train Fuel Tanks) from Loy's Toys. I use one to power my Chief and the other to power my signals and turnout machines. They are complete kits and require a very simple 1 hour assembly.
