N-scale voltage & Digitrax Supr Chief-?

[SP-Wolf]

Hello Guys,

I was messing around with my Super Chief. I put a meter the output voltage. I have it set for "N-Scale". It read 10.2 volts. Is that correct-? I was wondering why some of my locomotives had lack luster speed. (I don't want rockets) but- come on. So I switched it ot "HO" it read a little over 12 volts. Same question- really-? These voltagages seem low. Had  idone something wrong-?(testing wise)  What do you guys use for your N-Scale opperations-?

Just wondering,
Wolf

[Ian MacMillan]

Nope...that is the way it is supposed to be.

Since I run lots of multi unit lashups, I have mine set at HO.

[Micke C]

Hello Guys,

I was messing around with my Super Chief. I put a meter the output voltage. ...
Just wondering,
Wolf

What type of voltagemeter did you use, the DCC-signal is bipolar and not plain AC or DC and most common meters show a wrong messure.

//Micke C - http://crawfordjct.blogspot.se/

[Ian MacMillan]

Older Digitrax boosters should be:
N: 10v +-.5v
HO: 12v +-.5v
O: 18v +-.5v


Newer boosters should be:
N: 12.4v +-.5
HO: 15v+-.5v
O: 20v+-.5v


Trim pots can also adjust these inside.

[Ike the BN Freak]

Ian, do you know when the old vs new boosters changed?

Wondering if I should set mine to HO or N

[Ian MacMillan]

Late 1990s I believe. My DB150 (Empire Builder) is from 1996 and has the same values as yours.

[mmyers]

Did you measure with or without a load. Should be around 11.8 volts no load.  10.7 with a 3 amp load. Also check your power supply's output under load. Low voltage in will yield low output from the booster. Your low reading on the HO setting makes me think it could be a power supply problem. I get 13.5 volts on a DCS200 set to HO with a 12 volt power supply hooked up.

Martin Myers