Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: jake_iv on December 14, 2010, 05:24:26 PM

Title: EZ Command/Dynamis power supply
Post by: jake_iv on December 14, 2010, 05:24:26 PM
I have a Starr-Tech "Hogger" with 5 amps output at 20 volts  --- Can I replace the 1 amp supply that comes with the basic Bachmann systems with the Starr-Tec Hogger filtered DC?
Title: Re: EZ Command/Dynamis power supply
Post by: Jim Banner on December 14, 2010, 09:25:29 PM
The E-Z Command is designed to work with a 1 amp ac power input.  Using dc may overload the built in rectifiers by causing two of them to take the full load while the other two do none of the work.  There is also the question of how the E-Z Command limits over current and over heating.  The wall wart power supply that comes with it reduces its output voltage as more load is put of the command station, helping limit the heat it produces.  Your much higher rated Hogger would not do this and if your E-Z Command were to shut down on thermal overload, it would do so at a lower current than normal because of the higher voltage.  Remember heat = watts = volt x amps.  The higher the voltage, the lower the current to produce the same heat.

If you are looking for more current at the rails to drive more trains, consider adding a booster.  Some boosters come with no built in power supply and your Hogger might be just the thing to power them.

Jim