How do I add a volt/amp meter to monitor track power??

[PiperguyUMD]

Hi All,

I’m looking to add a volt/amp meter to monitor my track power. I don’t know a ton about electronics and I’m having a hard time figuring out what I need to do this. Can I use an inexpensive digital readout from Amazon? I’m running a NCE power house pro divided into two power districts using two Tony’s Trains PSX-1s.

Thanks for the help!

[signalmaintainer]

Voltmeter across the feeders to the rails: ammeter in series with one of the feeders.

[John]

I normally don't worry too much about complete accuracy with this

A simple voltage measurement is to set my Digital Volt Meter to AC Volts, (I use the 600V range) and put the leads across the track .. In N scale, I usually measure around 11-12V from my Digitrax boosters (N scale Setting) .. that should be close enough for government work .. Just make sure the voltage measured by the meter is consistent across the layout .. +/-  a little slop .. somewhere close to the NMRA recommended values




 I wouldn't worry too much about the current value - you won't get more than what the booster is capable .. and most N scale locomotives don't use much


https://dccwiki.com/Measuring_Track_Voltage

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/207991626-Power-Cab-Track-Voltage

http://www.circuitous.ca/DCCvolts.html


Commercially, you have a couple of options ..

https://tonystrains.com/product/dcc-specialties-rrampmeter-ii


https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/17820512774803-DCC-Meter-and-Packet-Analyzer



https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/alpha-meter-for-dc-or-dcc/




I'm sure you will get more answers

[Dwight in Toronto]

There is a way of seeing the milliamp draw in the NCE PowerCab hand throttle display window, but not sure how accurate that might be. 

[peteski]

There is a way of seeing the milliamp draw in the NCE PowerCab hand throttle display window, but not sure how accurate that might be.

It is accurate, down to 10mA resolution,

As for measuring the DCC current/voltage, as others have already indicated, it requires a special meter to accyrately measure the alternating square-wave voltage and current of the DCC track power.