Hello. I have a potential project that i have a question about: Is it possible to increase the amperage of a DC circuit while keeping voltage the same?
I'm looking at converting a model train locomotive to DCC (computer controlled). The problem is the available decoders that go in the locomotives aren't made to supply enough amperage for the large loco I'm planning to convert.
I'll give a quick explanation of how DCC works as i understand it; i'm new to this and learning as i go. The base station supplies power and instructions to the track. It is a square wave of roughly +15 to - 15 volts DC. Picture below shows form. The signal is used by all the locos on the track to tell them how fast to go, direction, turning on/off lights and sound, as well as supply power for the motors.
So my question is can i use an existing decoder, but boost the amperage that it supplies to run the motor? An average decoder may put on +-18 volts DC @ 1 amp. I may need up to 15 amps at same voltage. How to add additional power from the track and get it to the motor?
I realize this may not be possible, but i wanted to ask to see if possibly it is.
.
Thanks
Marty
I'm looking at converting a model train locomotive to DCC (computer controlled). The problem is the available decoders that go in the locomotives aren't made to supply enough amperage for the large loco I'm planning to convert.
I'll give a quick explanation of how DCC works as i understand it; i'm new to this and learning as i go. The base station supplies power and instructions to the track. It is a square wave of roughly +15 to - 15 volts DC. Picture below shows form. The signal is used by all the locos on the track to tell them how fast to go, direction, turning on/off lights and sound, as well as supply power for the motors.
So my question is can i use an existing decoder, but boost the amperage that it supplies to run the motor? An average decoder may put on +-18 volts DC @ 1 amp. I may need up to 15 amps at same voltage. How to add additional power from the track and get it to the motor?
I realize this may not be possible, but i wanted to ask to see if possibly it is.
.
Thanks
Marty