Greg@mnrr
Section Hand
This is directed to the modelers using DCC systems, but the DC guys may find the subject interesting. I run a Digitrax DCC system with six throttles on my modest layout and I'm usually the sole operator. I disconnect the unused throttles from the Digitrax LocoNet Interface to kill all internal power to the unused throttles with the only reason being is why have them use some electrical power if not in use, even if the electric power drain is so minor?
Now on to DCC decoders. I was reading an article in the February NMRA Magazine in the Mail Car column about DCC decoders. A modeler wants to isolate the storage tracks on his layout to prevent the parked locomotives from consuming electrical power. The Editor spoke of DCC system start up issues with locomotives that are equipped with energy storage devices and their large inrush of current when first started.
The closing reply from the NMRA Editor was simply even through the locomotives maybe silent, they are still powered. And while powered they are generating heat and heat kills electronics and thus reduces the life of the decoders since they only have so many given hours of life. Still, the choice of powered or non-powered tracks is a personal choice said the editor.
On my layout, many locomotives are stored in the Saxeville Interchange and while silent they remain powered. I often thought about the heat factor with decoders, but never gave the subject any serious concerns. Prior to my retirement, the Facilities Department and Public Safety Departments had computers and servers running 24/7 and I replaced several computers only because of software upgrades and not due to PC failures. Comparing a PC to a DCC decoder is not apples to apples since a PC has an internal fan for circulating cooling air. Many of our decoders are installed above a heat producing electric motor and the motor or the decoder do not have any type of cooling other the latent air surrounding the decoder.
I can think of many household electronic type items that run 24/7 like door bell transformers, cable boxes, wall chargers, home alarms, fish tank aerators and many more. Most without any form of cooling. When was the last time you replaced a door bell transformer?
Recently, I test ran a Broadway Limited locomotive without a shell and the motor was warm to the touch after several hours of operation. Not hot, but never the less still warm. Its DCC decoder sat directly above the motor and I'm sure it was warmed by the motor generated heat along with any heat the decoder produced.
Personally, I never had a DCC decoder failure other than the "Blue Smoke" occurring after incorrectly installing a decoder.
What is your opinion or experiences with decoder or throttle failures and do you keep locomotives on powered staging tracks or spurs when the locos are not in use?
Do we need to be concerned about our DCC locomotives' decoder life spans reduced due to heat generated while idle or even while operating?
Thanks.
Greg
Now on to DCC decoders. I was reading an article in the February NMRA Magazine in the Mail Car column about DCC decoders. A modeler wants to isolate the storage tracks on his layout to prevent the parked locomotives from consuming electrical power. The Editor spoke of DCC system start up issues with locomotives that are equipped with energy storage devices and their large inrush of current when first started.
The closing reply from the NMRA Editor was simply even through the locomotives maybe silent, they are still powered. And while powered they are generating heat and heat kills electronics and thus reduces the life of the decoders since they only have so many given hours of life. Still, the choice of powered or non-powered tracks is a personal choice said the editor.
On my layout, many locomotives are stored in the Saxeville Interchange and while silent they remain powered. I often thought about the heat factor with decoders, but never gave the subject any serious concerns. Prior to my retirement, the Facilities Department and Public Safety Departments had computers and servers running 24/7 and I replaced several computers only because of software upgrades and not due to PC failures. Comparing a PC to a DCC decoder is not apples to apples since a PC has an internal fan for circulating cooling air. Many of our decoders are installed above a heat producing electric motor and the motor or the decoder do not have any type of cooling other the latent air surrounding the decoder.
I can think of many household electronic type items that run 24/7 like door bell transformers, cable boxes, wall chargers, home alarms, fish tank aerators and many more. Most without any form of cooling. When was the last time you replaced a door bell transformer?
Recently, I test ran a Broadway Limited locomotive without a shell and the motor was warm to the touch after several hours of operation. Not hot, but never the less still warm. Its DCC decoder sat directly above the motor and I'm sure it was warmed by the motor generated heat along with any heat the decoder produced.
Personally, I never had a DCC decoder failure other than the "Blue Smoke" occurring after incorrectly installing a decoder.
What is your opinion or experiences with decoder or throttle failures and do you keep locomotives on powered staging tracks or spurs when the locos are not in use?
Do we need to be concerned about our DCC locomotives' decoder life spans reduced due to heat generated while idle or even while operating?
Thanks.
Greg
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