Power Shield X

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DCC Specialties: Power Shield X

Summary: The Power Shield X is a Power Management device. The PSX will handle the increased inrush currents due to sound-equipped multifunction decoders.

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Power Shield X (PSX)

The Power Shield X series is a DCC Power Management device. The PSX will handle the increased inrush currents which occur due to large capacitors used for sound systems. This load appears as a system short circuit until the capacitors are charged. The logic in newer PSXs determines if the load is a true short or just an inrush overload.

The Power Shield X (PSX) is the continuation of the Power Shield series of power management devices.

There are several versions of the PSX:

PSX-AR, with integrated stall motor decoder
PSX-ARFB, with network feedback
PSX-ARSC, with integrated snap switch decoder
PSX-ARSCFB, with network feedback.
PSX-AR-AC, for 2 rail AC.

PSX Series:

The PSX series also includes 4 DCC power district circuit breakers. They are identified as PSX-x, where the x indicates how many blocks they can control, from 1 to 4.

PSX

The PSX series comes in four flavours, 1 to 4. Models 2 and up come on one PCB which can be broken apart as needed.

The more recent versions also support Block Detection and feedback, as well as Digitrax LocoNet specific modes, timing delay, programmable power up state, and Auto Stop.

PSXX

The PSXX is designed for use with low current boosters such as those found in the NCE Power Cab and Digitrax Zephyr products. Like the PSX, it can come in up to three devices (PSXX-1 to PSXX-3) on one large PCB which can be broken apart if needed.

The PSXX features

10A maximum capacity
Current limiting
- Allows multifunction decoders with sound to charge up
- Current limited to a selected value prior to trip point
Adjustable trip point, from 1-10A
Default trip at 2A
Jumpers to set trip points at 1, 2, 3 or 4A
Manual or Automatic Reset
- Manual Reset can be accomplished using a DCC Command or a physical switch.

If used with a PSX-AR, the PSX-AR must be fed from the output of the PSXX, and its trip point must be lower than that of the PSXX.

PSX-AR

Compatible with 2 Rail AC.

Automatic Coordination of Auto Reverse and Circuit Breaker Tasks: It is both a auto reverser and a circuit breaker. Fast, all solid-state design with reliable quiet electronic reversing, no blinks, clicks or sparks!
Adaptive Load Reset: Electronically senses if the overload is a real short or due to in-rush capacitance of sound decoders.
Automates Reverse Loop Turnouts: Integrated stall or solenoid driver, automatically lines up turnouts when the polarity reverses. Switch machine can be controlled by accessory commands or push buttons as well.
Manual or Automatic Reset
LEDs can be added to monitor; input/output power and status.
Trip currents adjustable by jumpers or CVs: 1.27 to 19.2 A
A single CV command sets all Addresses and CVs to original factory values.
An audible sounder can be added to the card to alert you when there is a short.
Low Current booster reset if needed
Auto Stop with CV Reset: A photocell can detect a train in the reverse section and turn off power. A DCC command can then restore the power
Board size: is 5 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches

The PSX-AR may not operate reliably when connected downstream of a PSX Circuit breaker.

PSX-ARFB and PSX-ARSCFB

All of the PSX-AR features plus

Feedback: Shorted and Occupancy Status to Digitrax (LocoNet), Lenz (XpressNet) and NCE (Cab Bus)
Block Occupancy Outputs: Indicates block is occupied or shorted
Occupancy Amps adjustable

All PSX series devices also include network feedback

Options

PSX-AR: Slow motion turnout motors
PSX-ARSC: Solenoid (coil) turnout motors, such as those by Atlas, PECO and Kato
PSX-ARFB/PSX-ARSCFB: FB indicates Feedback, which can be used with a reporting device such as the NCE AUI

Configuration of the PSX-AR

There are some configuration details regarding the PSX-AR. Read the manual for the details

Digitrax

For use with Digitrax DCC systems, a jumper must be installed from terminals J7-3 to J7-4 (LocoNet Configuration). After doing that, move the program jumper to J3-1 and J3-2 (Programming Mode), and apply DCC power. When LED D6 stops flashing, remove DCC Power and return the jumper to J3-2 and J3-3 (Operations Mode).

Set the command station's OpSw 18 to CLOSED to extend the time before the booster's circuit protection activates. The PSX-AR will still have settings to configure to select its trip current either via CV49 or jumpers.

NCE

For NCE there are two options. Choose 1 or 2:

Install a jumper from J6-1 to J6-2
Set CV49 = 1

Do not do both steps. Only a single option is needed.

Analog Operations

The PSX-AR will not work when Analog mode is in use.

Rail Gaps

Gaps are required for the PSX and PSX-AR to function. It is recommended to offset one gap by 19mm from the other rail's gap. Fill the gap to prevent it from closing.

Additional programming may be required if a locomotive hesitates when crossing a reverse gap.

PSX-AR Accessory Addressing

If using a Digitrax system see the note above.

The PSX-AR has three accessory addresses in use:

Turn output On or Off
Activate the photo cell detector
Throw a switch

The manual has complete instructions, including any variations necessary for various DCC systems.

It is important to set an address, otherwise the device may acquire a random address during other programming operations. This address may conflict with another accessory decoder's assigned address, leading to problems.

Options with the PSX-AR

See the manual for complete details.

Reverse Loops

It is possible to use pushbuttons to throw a turnout at the entrance to a reverse loop. The wiring is quite simple. Pressing a switch will throw the turnout and reverse the phasing of the rails at the same time.

Track Status Indicators

A simple circuit consisting of two diodes, two LEDs, and two resistors can be created to indicate phase settings on a track schematic or other display.

Notes

Hardware Version Identification

A number will be printed on the PCB, found in the middle of the card to the right of the DCC Specialties name and phone number. There are several numbers there, the larger number at the bottom is the hardware version.

Versions greater than 11/14 have an adjustable delay for the over current protection. Older versions do not have this feature, and can not be updated to include it.

Software Revisions

The version of software included can be determined by moving the program jumper to the "program" position, then turning on the power while watching the LED at D6.

The LED well flash in Morse Code the revision. For example, the pattern of dot-dot-dash-dot would indicate Revision F. There are a number of online Morse Code translators to assist you in determining the revision.

Conflicts with Tam Valley Frog Juicers

The PSX can detect a short circuit and act on it very quickly. Too quickly for the Frog Juicer. This often results in an endless loop as both devices keep phase switching.

One method is to wire the Frog Juicer, then the PSX, and finally the booster, going from the fastest device (Frog Juicer) to the slowest (the booster).

Older versions of the PSX were much slower to react that the newer ones, allowing the Frog Juicer to react first. Newer versions can be adjusted for a longer delay by setting CV 55 to a value of 1 (one) and CV65 to 128. This may also reduce or eliminate nuisance trips.

See DCC Specialties PSX Circuit Breaker & Tam Vally Depot Frog Juicers Short Circuit Detection Conflict at the Streamlined Backshop.

(This article is about 8 years old so things may have changed since then)

Use with DC/Analog Power

The PSX will not tolerate DC power on the input or output. It cannot be used on a layout which may be used with an analog (DC) throttle.

Additional Reading

Resources

The DCC Specialties Website has a lot of information and more DCC items as well.

Reviews

Power Shield X FAQs

Is the PSXX Compatible with a Frog Juicer

Search for more Power Shield X FAQs