Adding realistic tyre tracks to muddy terrain in your scale model can enhance the scene’s authenticity and tell a...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
How can I add realistic tyre tracks to muddy terrain?Read more -
How do I model a foggy scene on my railway?Read moreWhen modelling fog in a railway scene, you’ll want to create a convincing sense of mist rolling over the tracks,...
-
The Dos and Don'ts of Lubricating Your Model TrainsRead moreKeeping your model trains running smoothly requires regular maintenance, and lubrication is a key part of that....
-
What are waterslide transfers?Read moreWaterslide transfers are a key component of scale modelling, allowing you to add intricate markings, insignias and...
-
What is the GWR Firefly Class?Read moreThe Firefly Class was a series of broad-gauge steam locomotives built for the Great Western Railway (GWR) between...
When choosing a DCC decoder, how important is the amp rating?
Decoders are definitely not all the same, they have different numbers of pins, can control different functions, come in different shapes and sizes, and often, have different amp ratings. But how important is the latter?
Well, it is both very important, and not very important all at the same time. Decoders have two ratings, a continuous rating, and a peak rating. A continuous rating is the maximum amount of amps the decoder will safely support for prolonged periods, a peak rating, is the amount of amps it can tolerate in the event of short spikes in power. If either are exceeded in their relevant context, the decoder will likely be permanently damaged.
The above is clearly the reason why amp ratings are very important, having said that, how likely is your locomotive to draw more amps than even the lowest rated decoders can handle?
Well, that depends on the engine itself, the length of your trains, the gradients encountered, and the number of functions used. A layout featuring a humble tank engine shuttling up and down between fiddle yard and country station is unlikely to be greedy with the amps. On the other hand, a display layout with steep gradients, locos with sound, lights, whistles and bells, and long consists to please the spectators, may well have locos that require decoders with more heavy-duty capabilities.
If you have an ammeter, you can always do a quick test to see how many amps your loco is drawing at maximum power, just don't forget to really put it under some strain when you take your measurement. If you do not have an ammeter, you can either play it safe and install a decoder with a higher amp rating, or check on your decoder's manufacturer's website to see if your decoder is suitable for use with your loco.
Posted in: Model Railway
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Zen Blue+ Decoder: NEM651 6-Pin Direct - 2...
Price: £ 29.95Zen Blue+ Decoder: NEM651 6-Pin Direct - 2 Functions
Zen Black Decoder: Mini 8 Pin Harness 4 Function
Price: £ 29.95Zen Black Decoder: Mini 8 Pin Harness 4 Function
Zen Black Decoder: Universal easy to fit 8-pin...
Price: £ 29.95Zen Black Decoder: Universal easy to fit 8-pin direct decoder with 6 functions
Related posts
-
What scale is Hornby?Hornby model railways are OO Scale or 1/76th that is 4 millimetres to the foot (12 inches). It runs on a track with... - How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This...
- Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are the model railway eras?According to Bachmann, as it states in their catalogue there are 9 eras. As they say in their catalogue this is not...
- Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory...