DCC Power Supplies

DCC Power Supplies | TTE/XFR8 Test | PS515 Test | Buy TTE/XFR8 | Buy PS515

Dear NCE List Members,

I have been monitoring the mis-information recently posted on the NCE list and in response have attached several "Test Reports" on DCC Power Supplies performed by Larry Maier, a professional electrical engineer. These "Test Reports" review two, TTE/XFR8's(1999 & 2003) w/wo diode bridges and the Digitrax, PS515(2003) DCC Power Supplies. The reports and graphs are on my website at:

• TTE/XFR8 | PS515

Larry used a "Fluke", true rms, calibrated multimeter to develop the raw data. The "factual" reports and clarified specifications detailed herein directly dispute the mis-information that has been circulated regarding the performance, suitability and specifications of the TTE/XFR8 and the Digitrax PS515 DCC Power Supplies.

I am disappointed that George Bishop, whose responses started the thread, NOT ONCE contacted me regarding the problems he thought were caused by our power supplies. He has subsequently promised to send me one of the power supplies in question. We will test and publish the results as soon as the unit arrives.

For the record, our XFR8 is ideal and safe to use with NCE, Digitrax, and Lenz 5 AMP DCC systems without modification and offers more safety features than the others. We have been using the same reliable transformers from the same manufacturer since 1993. We have never changed ratings or suppliers.

WE HAVE SHIPPED THOUSANDS OF THESE UNITS WITH ONLY ONE, THAT'S RIGHT, ONLY ONE FAILURE and that did NO damage to the DCC system it was powering due to the exclusive circuit breaker protection we offer.

Mr. Bishop's initial posting to the group suggested we were singled out in the NCE power supply warning. This is not true! In fact, the warning sheet, as printed by Mr. Bishop himself in a subsequent posting, does not mention Tony's at all, and is merely a general warning about using power supplies that exceed the NCE limits. Note, the actual MAXIMUM input voltage is 19.2 VAC as stated in the NCE Manual, not the 18 VAC NCE statement that is based on the fact that 19.2 VAC transformers are not standard.

The "Test Reports" are summarized as follows:

1) TTE/XFR8:

a) The TTE/XF8 is rated at 16 VAC,8 Amps and incorporates input and output mechanical-switch able circuit breakers; a safety feature that other power supplies do not have!
b) The unit tested delivered 15.9 VAC at 8 Amps.
c) The core unit is UL APPROVED.
d) Our printed Product Catalogue does say in error 18 VAC and will be corrected to 16 VAC.
e) NOT ONCE DID OUR UNIT EXCEED NCE SPECIFICATIONS, or would it even at an unlikely input line voltage of 129 VAC.
f) A DIODE BRIDGE is NOT necessary to drop output voltage for Digitrax, Lenz or NCE, 5 Amp DCC Systems. If you are still concerned then use diode bridges as specified by NCE!

2) The Digitrax PS515:

a) The Digitrax PS515 is rated at 15 VAC at 5 Amps and has a thermal output breaker.
b) The unit tested delivered 15.5 VAC at 5 Amps.
c) There is NO UL APPROVAL or listing.

As most of you know we sell everything subject to our Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. Isn't only fair that those who think they are having a problem with one of our products contact us first before publicly berating us with information that is speculative and incorrect. We will help Mr. Bishop get to the bottom of his problem, just as we would have if he had contacted us in the first place!

We welcome comments or suggestions from readers; please write or call.