|
Additional operating notes for all SB3 and DB3
[This section
supersedes all notes on overload protection supplied with
the NCE SB3 Booster and DB3 Booster]
Testing by the
MRRC indicate that neither the 1156 or CP6 will illuminate to
absorb the overload as described in the NCE manual, this leaves the SB3/DB3 overload cycling
and as noted in the NCE manual will if allowed to continue
for a extended time will damage the SB3/DB3.
Never leave
your SB3/DB3 unattended and if the LED on the left hand side of
the front panel begins to turn on and off remove the power to
the SB3/DB3 and locate the source of the overload.
It is
recommended that a SPDT toggle switch be installed into one of
the track feeders and located near the SB3, when a sustained
short circuit is noted simply turning off the track power will
protect the unit and allow the operator to examine the layout
for the cause. In some cases of a sustained overload the SB3
will require the power to the
booster to be turned off this can be done by removing the power
plug allowing the red power light to complete die off and then
reinstall the plug.
When installing your SB3 ensure that the power
and overload LED are visible if you wish to have plug points at
other then the points provided in the SB3 the use a UPT is
recommended, simply install the UPT in the layout facia and plug
into any of the three points provided, multiple UPT's can be
incorporated.
Points:
The SB3 is intended to operate small home layouts and in this
environment point frogs are the primary cause of short circuits.
To limit the current at a point a 10 watt auto globe should be
installed at each frog feeder and this will prevent the SB3 from
tripping the overload, this works best for 'Electro frog' type
points were a switch is used to route power to a frog.
Peco
Insulfrog points [particularly the code 100 model ] have a
problem at the tip of the frog were the two rail come together,
extending this for 3 - 4 mm with a little black or clear enamel
paint should prevent this from becoming a regular problem.
All power
routing turnouts can have a problem in combination with that
certain locomotive's creating nuance shutdowns. were a cause
cannot be located we would recommend isolating the point by
installing insulator's at the entrance and both exit routes as
close to the point as possible. Install a 10 watt globe into one
of the power feeders that will now ONLY supply the isolated
point this will contain the nuance short to that point and
allow the locomotive to run thru. Current will be limited to 0.7
amps max but this is more than sufficient to operate any modern
locomotive.
Auto
Reverser:
The SB3 high speed overload is currently two fast for relay type
overloads and some solid state units. NCE is developing its own
model.
|
