03-28-2010, 08:07 PM
Speed control in DCC is accomplished by using "duty cycle", or the varying length of time the applied voltage is "high" (the speed control voltage is effectively a "square wave", and it is the "on time" that varies as the throttle is increased or decreased). The current, therefore, is also pulsed ( which is why a straight DC motor "whines" in 00 mode), and a standard DC ammeter cannot measure it accurately. I'm sure you could find a formula that would allow you to use the average DC current, to compute the peak current of the "wave". Peak voltage is always the same, but the time period that it is,on, at peak, varies.
Yup, that's what I said.
Yup, that's what I said.
We always learn far more from our own mistakes, than we will ever learn from another's advice.
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!
The greatest place to live life, is on the sharp leading edge of a learning curve.
Lead me not into temptation.....I can find it myself!