O scale DCC Question

#1 Disconnect the existing power supplies from your layout.

#2 Connect the long (7 foot) coiled cable from the cab into the Power Pro CAB BUS socket.

#3 Plug one end of the short (1 foot) cable into the Power Pro CONTROL BUS socket that is next to the CAB BUS socket. The other end of this wire plugs into either one of the remaining CONTROL BUS sockets.  This connects the “Command Station” portion of the Power Pro to the “Power Booster” portion.

#4 If in place, pull the 4 pin plug from its socket on the face of the Power Pro. Connect your power source to the screw terminals marked POWER. Your power source must have a voltage output within the range of 12-18 volts AC or 18-28 volts DC.  Do not exceed these voltages as damage to the Power Pro is certain to result. If there is not enough voltage (under about 12VDC) the left hand STATUS light on the Power Pro will flash quickly.  There will be a similar indication if the DCC signal from the command station is lost .  The Power Pro is factory adjusted to put out the NMRA recommended 14.25 volts for N, HO and S scales..

#5 Set up a test track. Obtain a length or two of flex track, or better yet, use that old circle of Atlas Snap Track you’ve had kicking around for years. Do NOT connect the Power Pro up to your layout at this time.  We want you to test the operation of your new DCC system without the complication of troubleshooting any layout wiring, closed gaps, broken switch points, etc. Once you are confident that your new Power Pro DCC system is up and running as advertised then hook it up to the layout (after finishing the Quick Start Guide).  Make sure that your layout wiring can stand a continuous 5 Amps of current. We recommend a minimum of #16 feeder bus, preferably #14 and at least #22 AWG power drops from the rails to the feeder bus. If you have a locomotive with a DCC decoder already installed connect two wires from your test track to the TRACK screw terminals of the Power Pro. Plug this connector into the Left socket.

#6 Carefully inspect all wiring to make sure proper connections have been made. Do not permit unused decoder wires to touch each other.  A piece of tape will help here.

#7 Plug in the power source and/or turn on the power. #8 The display of the cab should look something like:
LOC: 003  00:03AM LOC: 003  00:03AM LOC: 003  00:03AM LOC: 003  00:03AM LOC: 003  00:03AM FWD: 000  ------
This is what we call the ‘NORMAL DISPLAY’. The fast clock in the upper right hand

Make sure you are not using too high a voltage with your power supply. I would measure it with a meter!

I believe it says that low input voltage causes the light to flash?

I  seem to remember having to do something on my Digitrax system to output voltage to the track? This maybe the same? Something had to be switched on???

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/...5623/PH-PROv2007.pdf

Check out Gregs site,  https://www.elmassian.com I've found his DCC skills and Knowledge 2nd to none on the subject.

Enjoy DCC it is in my opinion the only way to operate a Model RR.

I have a feeling that you may need to contact NCE to adapt or configure the base unit to use at higher voltage with O scale??

PS, I use the NCE 10 amp system, works flawlessly for me.  HO, O, and G............... Trim pot works great for adjusting voltage.

Dear Joe and Nick, et al,

Thank you for all your info, I am going to disconnect and put all the wires back with the 5 amp system to run my choo-choo's for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. I will call NCE on Tuesday to see what's,what.

This is definitely above my pay grade!!!! and Thank you once again for all of your help!!!

John

NCE has a really helpful staff and answered questions I had about using DCC. I would trust them.

Tony's train exchange is also a great source for help. I have spoken to techs there that went out of their way to help without selling me anything extra.

In my 10 amp system I had to power the command station with 18v in addition to the booster. Not sure if the five amp system requires that.  

jdunn posted:

Dear Joe and Nick, et al,

Thank you for all your info, I am going to disconnect and put all the wires back with the 5 amp system to run my choo-choo's for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. I will call NCE on Tuesday to see what's,what.

This is definitely above my pay grade!!!! and Thank you once again for all of your help!!!

John

 

jdunn posted:

Dear Joe and Nick, et al,

Thank you for all your info, I am going to disconnect and put all the wires back with the 5 amp system to run my choo-choo's for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. I will call NCE on Tuesday to see what's,what.

This is definitely above my pay grade!!!! and Thank you once again for all of your help!!!

John

 

I saw a post of a problem where the buyer sent his system back to NCE to be looked at. They upgraded it to the latest internal software for free. He was surprised at the service.

The 10 amp system is in 2 boxes, and each needs power.

The 5 amp system has everything in one box

Greg

From picture number 3, you have both wires of the track power connected together.   Left two screw terminals are for one side, the right two terminals are for the other.  Take your white wire and make a fork  out of the strands and attach to the left two screws.  Then take your orange wire and make a fork out of the strands and attach to the right hand two terminals.  That should take care of your problem.

WM Dave