Amp meter

[D Cody]

I recently changed over to DCC on my layout and would like to install a amp meter on it to watch for total amps being pulled and also watch for any problems of motors dragging. Question is where would be the best place to install it, before the command unit or after?
This is on a MRC DCC unit.

Thanks

Dean

[UPBigBoy]

I recently changed over to DCC on my layout and would like to install a amp meter on it to watch for total amps being pulled and also watch for any problems of motors dragging. Question is where would be the best place to install it, before the command unit or after?
This is on a MRC DCC unit.

Thanks

Dean

You are going to require an A/C ammeter as the power going to the tracks is A/C and not DC. Also if you really want to see what is going on then you should also have an A/C volt meter. As far as to where to place it, it will have to go between the track or first bus wire or wiring block ( if you use one) and the power supply for the track; it's been a while since I put an A/C ammeter in but if you look on the net you should find good places to buy them and also instructions on how to install.

Jim

[TrinityJayOne]

I recently changed over to DCC on my layout and would like to install a amp meter on it to watch for total amps being pulled and also watch for any problems of motors dragging. Question is where would be the best place to install it, before the command unit or after?
This is on a MRC DCC unit.

Thanks

Dean

Check the system you're using, it might already have one built in! I use the NCE PowerCab and it has one, although I forget the command to turn it on right now. It's cool to watch the amps creep up when pulling out the slack on a long freight train or when heading up a grade.

[Selector]

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/rrampmeter.htm

[jackn2mpu]

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/rrampmeter.htm

Good idea this piece. A big problem with old-style analog meters (the ones with needles like old Simpson voms) is they don't do very well with AC waveforms than the sine wave that comes out of a mains power outlet. Pulse-type waves like in DCC are an even worse headache for these meters to work with.

[D Cody]

Thanks everyone, Great ideas. Now I just trying to figure out if the expense is worth it!
Thanks again
Dean

[Iron Horseman]

Thanks everyone, Great ideas. Now I just trying to figure out if the expense is worth it!

I just purchased a RAMP Meter to use.