Author Topic: Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system  (Read 1813 times)

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Flagler

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Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system
« on: January 24, 2013, 08:35:46 AM »
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I heard that you need a special ammeter to measure the amps being used on a DCC system.Can I use any DC ammmeter?

eric220

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Re: Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system
« Reply #1 on: January 24, 2013, 09:05:15 AM »
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I heard that you need a special ammeter to measure the amps being used on a DCC system.Can I use any DC ammmeter?

At minimum it would have to be an AC ammeter.
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C855B

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Re: Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system
« Reply #2 on: January 24, 2013, 10:41:53 AM »
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You'll need a digital AC ammeter, with RMS turned off.

Flagler

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Re: Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system
« Reply #3 on: January 24, 2013, 01:22:17 PM »
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You'll need a digital AC ammeter, with RMS turned off.
Ok, who makes these.I need 3 or 4 of them.I am looking for something not as pricey as the RRAMPMETER by Tony's

Hornwrecker

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Re: Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2013, 02:43:41 PM »
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A search turned up these, you can assemble yourself or buy them finished.  Lots of interesting boards for other applications there, too. 

http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DCCammeter10.html#PCB
Bob

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Re: Ammeter for a Digitrax DCC system
« Reply #5 on: January 24, 2013, 05:56:54 PM »
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As a good alternative, on my friend's layout, we installed some conventional and inexpensive DC ammeters on the DC power supply side of the DCC boosters. They work perfectly well (as the current consumed by the booster circuitry is negligible)!

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