Max Voltage

[grsman]

What would be the maximum DC/DCC power supply voltage for On30?
I would like to use L-Ion battery power for my DCC. I could use 11.1volt
battery, but I think that is a little low!? 14.8volt battery would be better,
but I afraid the charged value would be too high.? NiCAD or NiMH could
provide 12volts which would be great, but the size would be prohibitive.
Tom

[Geoff12765]

I'm not an expert, but if it helps, my Bachmann Spectrum controller for DC models, that came with my On30 starter set, has a maximum output of 15 volts DC.

The NMRA standard for DCC (standard S-9.1) says that " Digital Decoders intended for scales larger than "N" shall be designed to withstand a DC voltage of at least 27 volts as measured at the track".

You could also try doing a web search for DC and DCC controllers and see what their outputs are.

[Hunt]

Using  14.8 volts is OK.

To date an On30 locomotive with a  factory installed sound decoder provided by SoundTraxx  --

• An over voltage protection will automatically shut off motor control and sound when voltage exceeds 18 to 21 volts depending  on the decoder model. 
• Absolute maximum voltage input is 27 volts.  Voltages exceeding 27 volts may cause permanent damage to the decoder even when over voltage protection is activated.

[Kevin Strong]

You'll be perfectly fine using 14.8 volts. That having been said, I use 11.1 volts in all of my On30 stuff, and am not wanting for speed at all. If you need a bit more, but space is an issue, use a step-up voltage regulator. Pololu sells a variable one that will go up to 24 volts.

Later,

K

[grsman]

I tried a 14.8V battery today and it seemed to work OK.
I don't think my Revolution DCC receiver/booster really likes 11.1 V.
I am more concerned about equipment that may use the DCC track
output directly for lighting and other things and not using the decoder.
I think all will be OK.
Tom

[2foot6]

I have found out the hard way that a number of American made and branded decoders do not like 18-20 volts at all,they are not meeting the NMRA standards.Many of them  have leaked smoke and stopped working.My system has 20 volts at the rails ,so as a precautionary move I now only use the better quality brands at a higher price(Tsunami,ESU and Soundtrax)The higher priced decoders give a much better sound and response in operation and don't smoke.........................Peter
I

[Terminus]

My apology if I am posting in a thread that is too old, rather than starting a new one...


I think I burned out my front LED (Big Hauler 4-6-0 ATSF) locomotive at 20 vdc.

I had been operating it with the basic starter set power unit for years but switched to a much larger supply. The motor and the smoke unit are still working great.   I have a few other Big Hauler locomotives that I will test at that voltage to see if anything happens to the LED. I am not in a hurry though for obvious reasons. I am now too blind to replace the LED.

I don't have a schematic but I bet the circuit with any resistor is designed for a lower voltage to the LED. If I can manage it someday I will have to see what is going on there.


off topic
I have sent several locomotives back to Bachmann (Thanks RJ!) to be repaired and I am so happy with the results. The latest generation motors and running gear are so fast as well as the other components replaced make the whole process a wonderful restoration of life to old treasures. Despite those who consider them not worth the price to get repaired, these Big Haulers will be around for decades more. I will be sending a couple more back to "RJ's Loco Repair Shed" soon!