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Power Connection:
The round
connector plug from
the power supply
goes into the round
power socket
marked Power.
Track Terminals:
Strip 1/4 inch of
insulation from the
ends of your Track
Bus wires coming
from your track. Remove the Track connector plug from the DB5, it just pulls out. Insert
the wires into the two pin plug. Tighten the screws so that they are snug. Not too tight, just
snug. Insert this plug in the two pin socket on the DB5 marked Track.
Control Bus - 4 Wire (RJ-H) Socket:
Connect the 4 pin cable from this socket to the first SB5 Smart Booster. If adding more
than one DB5, use a “daisy chain” fashion to connect the SB5 to each DB5. This is the
low level DCC signal that will be amplified by the power booster(s).
Status Light:
This light is always on except when a short circuit occurs (see “short circuit protection” below).
Ground Screw:
The screw on the rear of the DB5
is used to connect the DB5 to
other ground screws on SB5 and
DB5 Boosters. We do not
recommend connecting to earth
ground or house ground.
Short Circuit Protection:
The P514 Power Supply that is supplied with the DB5 incorporates internal short circuit
protection that will shut down track power in the event of a short circuit. The unit will
attempt to re-energize the track every 3-4 seconds until the short is cleared. The Status
LED conveys status of the track power. The LED will ‘blip’ each time the P514 attempts to
restore track power, steady ‘on’ of the LED indicates track power is restored.
The circuit protection of the DB5/P514 is not intended to protect the booster from long
term short circuits. Do not allow a long term short circuit to persist for more than 3 or 4
minutes or damage may result. Therefore we strongly
recommend an external short circuit protection device. This
can be as simple as one or more automotive tail light bulbs
such as an #1156 or similar wired in series with the track
power output of the booster. NCE makes a variety of circuit
protection devices and circuit breakers such as the CP6 and
the EB1. This provides a means to divide your layout into
separate power “districts.” A short or derailment in one district
will only affect that section of track without shutting down
other sections of the layout.
DB5 Face Plate
To Track
POWER
TRACK
CONTROL BUS
STATUS
Connecting wire
Connecting wire
SB5 Rear Panel
DB5 Rear Panel
DB5 Rear Panel
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Connecting Extra Boosters:
The Control Bus output connector is used to connect additional boosters to the DB5. See
diagram on Page 4.
Layout Wiring:
For runs up to about 25 feet (8 meters), we recommend #16 gauge wire as a layout “track
power bus”. If you need more than 25 feet #14 gauge is a better choice. For power drops
from the track to the bus #20, #22 or #24 gauge wire is sufficient if you keep the length to
18 inches or less. With code 83 or larger rail keep your drops 6 feet (2 meters) or less
apart. Code 70 and smaller rail should be about every 3 feet (1 meter).
While it is not absolutely required, we suggest twisting the track power bus wires together
(2 to 4 turns per foot). Don’t bother twisting short power runs or power drops.
Electrical Specifications:
P514 Power Supply (included) Replacement part number 5240238
Maximum continuous track current (with cooling) 5.1 Amps
Factory track voltage setting: 12 or 13.8 Volts. Selectable by switch on P514
Available Connections:
1- Two position Track output power connector
2- CONTROL BUS output connectors
1- DC Power connector
1- Ground screw on rear of box
Indicator Lights:
1- DC power on (red LED)
Copyright & Trademarks
Copyright © 1994-2013 NCE Corporation. The identifying product terms Power Cab, Power Pro, PH-Pro, and
ProCab are trademarks of NCE Corporation. The look and feel of this software and its interaction with the user
through the ProCab or Power Cab is copyright NCE Corporation. The distinctive shape of the ProCab and Power
Cab with LCD and thumbwheel is a trademark of NCE Corporation. All non-NCE brands and product names
mentioned are likely to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respected companies.
Limited Warranty
NCE guarantees that when used with the factory supplied Power Supply, every Power Cab and Smart Booster DCC
System is free from physical defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year. Use of a different Power
Supply will void the warranty.
Within the first year full repair or replacement will be made to the original purchaser of any item that has failed due
to manufacturer defect. Should the item no longer be produced and the item not repairable a similar item will be
substituted at the manufacturer’s discretion. The customer pays only shipping to the NCE Warranty Center. Please
save your original receipt as a photocopy of it may be requested. NCE returns the items UPS ground unless other
arrangements are made in advance. After the first year a fair and reasonable service charge may be placed on each
failed item returned for repair.
This warranty is not valid if the customer has intentionally misused, miswired, performed any unauthorized
alterations to the product, used the incorrect Power Supply or removed any product protection devices. In this case
a service charge will be applied for all repairs and replacements. To protect the warranty, please contact the
Warranty Center for authorization prior to altering any product. In no event will NCE’s liability exceed the price paid
for the product from direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of the
product, it’s accompanying software or its documentation. NCE makes no warranty or representation, expressed,
implied or statutory with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and accompanying
software and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
NCE reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any
individual or entity.
Please contact the Warranty Center for specific shipping instructions and any service charges before returning any
product for service.
NCE Warranty Center - 585-265-0230
