Wangrow/SYS1 Boosters

1) GETTING TO KNOW YOUR DUAL 5 AMPERE POWER STATION/REVERSE BLOCK CONTROLLER

PSR01/SBR01

The PSR01/SBR01 is a Dual 5Amp booster in a single metal case. The Control bus connectors were sometime white or black over the production. The screw terminals on the left were always in black. There are 4 LEDs with the center two in RED for fault. Except for the model number in the top left corner and the "SystemOne/Wangrow Electronics" Logo, the panel labels are identical to the NCE Master Series PB110. The manual specifications are also the same.

FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS POWER - TERMINALS

The Power Terminals should be connected to a power source within the ranges given below, as determined by the voltage level that is appropriate for the scale being powered. The terminals will accept any wire size up to #12. (Allied Electronics (Phone 1-800-433-5700) 10 Amp, 18VAC, Cat No 836-6155 is suggested.

INPUT VOLTAGE NOT TO EXCEED 20VAC OR 30VDC

We recommend 18VAC or 20VDC for HO and N scale layouts, and 22VAC or 24VDC for larger scales. NOTE: Most transformer voltage ratings are measured at the full current rating. Make sure that the voltage is not higher than 24VAC at high AC line conditions.

TRACK 1 AND TRACK 2 - TERMINALS

The voltage output is determined by the position of the Scale Switch, but will not exceed the input voltage. The amperes available are slightly less than the amperes arrived at by using the W=VxA formula for a total between the two tracks, but in no case will either track be allowed to exceed 5 amperes. The terminals will accept any wire size up to #12.

CONTROL BUS - 4 WIRE RJ-H PLUG

Connect the 4 wire cable from the Command Station to one of the Control Bus jacks. If there are more Power Stations, connect them in a daisy chain, with additional 4 wire cables to the remaining Power Stations.

SCALE SWITCH

Set the switch to the scale being powered.

The history of NCE cannot be covered without talking about Wangrow's SYSTEM ONE DCC system.

To learn more about Wangrow and NCE History, go here:NCE/Wangrow History

In this section, we cover the two Wangrow Boosters that feature and performance wise are identical to the two NCE Master Series Boosters. However, internally the Dual 5Amp booster was very different designs despite the identical connections and appearance on the outside.

Wangrow documentation and product labeling were not always in total agreement on the model numbers for these products. Hence there are two names shown for each model.

Dual 5Amp: PSR01 & SBR01

10 Amp: PSR11 & SBR11

NOTE: These booster are not compatible when used in a multiple booster setup. Specifically these boosters do no support the case screw based Booster Ground or Booster Common connection that is required. This has lead to serious problem in the field. To learn more about the consequences, go here: System One Disaster Story

However these boosters can be modified to work sefely. To learn more about what to do, go here:PB110/PB205 Booster Ground Issue

Below are diagrams and information on both version of the boosters.

Unfortunately there are not any pictures on the internet of SYS Booster front panels close up that I can find. All I have is a color photo of a Dual 5 A System One Starter System for reference.

MODE SWITCH - TRACK 1 AND TRACK 2

These switches determine if the electronics in the section controlling each track are for powering the layout or for controlling reversing blocks. When used for reverse block control there is no need to provide a controller for each reverse block unless it is expected that during operation more than one loco would be crossing a block isolation point simultaneously.

CONTROL - LIGHT

Indicating light showing the Control Bus signal is being received from the Command Station.

FAULT - TRACK 1 AND TRACK 2 - LIGHT

These lights will light continuously if a short is detected. They will also be on if no signal is being received from the Command Station. This happens during programming track usage and when power to the system is turned OFF the lights will be ON because no signal is being received and the large capacitors inside are now discharging.

POWER -LIGHT

Indicating light showing that the Power Station has power.

INTERIOR OF PSR01 DUAL 5A BOOSTER

The two large black cylinders are large capacitors use to filter the input and output power.The smaller long black coil looking in the middle is the power inductor use in the switching power supply to regulate the track voltage.On the back behind the long silver bar are multiple transistors (MOSFETS) that generated the regulated track voltage and both booster outputs. The back plate of the chassis is the heatsink for the transistors.

2) GETTING TO KNOW YOUR 10 AMPERE POWER STATION/REVERSE BLOCK CONTROLLER

PSR11/SBR11

The PSR11/SBR11 is a Single 10 Amp booster in a single metal case. The Control bus connectors were sometime white or black over the production. The screw terminals on the left were always in black. There are 3 LEDs with the fault LED in RED. The 4th LED hole is blank. Except for the model number in the top left corner and the "SystemOne/Wangrow Electronics" Logo, the panel labels are identical to the NCE Master Series PB205. The manual specifications are also the same.

FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS POWER TERMINALS

DO NOT LET INPUT VOLTAGE EXCEED 22VAC OR 30VDC

The Power Station will automatically step down the voltage and increase the amperage according to the standard WATTS = VOLTS x AMPERES formula. So as you provide an increased voltage to the power terminals (within limits noted) the Power Station will transform the output according to the Scale Switch position. The DC input voltage must be at least 2.5 volts greater than the desired output voltage. The AC input voltage must be at least 15 volts to get 15 volts (normal) to the rails. Be sure the transformer you are using is capable of supplying enough current to ensure good operation. Not enough available current is probably the largest single cause of poor operation. The recommended transformer is 18 volts AC at 12 Amps for all output voltages up to 19 volts. (Allied Electronics (Phone 1-800-433-5700) 12 Amp, 22VAC, Cat No 836-6185 is suggested.

Be sure to use a computer style surge protector to prevent power spikes from damaging your Power Station.

METER TERMINALS

These terminals provide a means of reading the current being supplied by the Power Station to the track. The current is read by connecting a voltmeter that has a 1 or 2 volt scale. Each 0.1 volts equals 1 Amp. A reading of .876 volts indicates that 8.76 Amps are being used on the track. There will be an indication (usually less than .030 volts) of some current drawevenwhentherearenoloco’sonthetrack. This is OK, it is what is called the “quiescent current” of the Power Station. Just mentally subtract it the total current being used to get a correct reading (or do like I did and turn the offset screw on the meter below zero - KK).

TRACK TERMINALS

The voltage output is determined by the position of the Scale Switch, but will not exceed the input voltage. The Amperes available are slightly less than the amperes arrived at by using the W=VxA formula. The terminals will accept any wire size up to #12.

CONTROL BUS - 4 WIRE RJH PLUGS

SCALE SWITCH

Set the switch to the scale being powered.

NORMAL (for O SCALES) - Output is 15.5 volts - Do Not use for N, HO or most S Scale layouts.

ADJUST (for “non-standard” voltages) - Output is adjustable from 11.5 to 22.5 volts, factory set at 18 volts. The adjustment dial is accessed by removing the cover of the Power Station and turning R16.

RESET SWITCH

This switch selects how long the Power Station takes to re-apply power to the track after a short circuit. In the SHORT position the time-out is approximately 1.5 seconds. In LONG the time-out is approximately 4.5 seconds. The longer time is primarily for layouts where loco’s may carry large capacitors to supply propulsion power over the very dirty track found on outdoor layouts. The 4.5 seconds should be long enough for these capacitors to “bleed down”.

MODE SWITCH

This switch determines if the electronics in the section controlling the track is for powering the layout or for controlling a reversing block. When used for reverse block control there is no need to provide a controller for each reverse block unless it is expected that during operation more than one train would be crossing a block isolation point simultaneously. By train we meantheloco’sandcarsofatrainthatuseelectricalpower. NOTE: if a 10 Amp Power Station is set up to power reverse loops the adjoining track sections must be powered by Power Stations capable of equal or greater current.

CONTROL - LIGHT

Indicating light showing the Control Bus signal is being received from the Command Station.

FAULT LIGHT

This light will light continuously if a short is detected. It will also be on if no signal is being received from the Command Station. This happens during programming track usage. When power to the system is turned OFF the lights will be ON because no signal is being received and the large capacitors inside are now discharging, they will go out in several seconds.

POWER LIGHT

Indicating light showing that the Power Station has power.

EMPTY HOLE

We use the same metal casing for both Power Stations which leaves one empty hole in the 10 Amp Power Station.

VOLTAGE ADJUST To access the output voltage adjustment, remove the four screws that hold the Power Station cover located on the bottom of the unit. Slide the cover off and locate R16. R16 is a thumbwheel located near the center of the circuit board. It may be easier to use a small flat blade screwdriver to turn the adjuster. The adjustment range is from approximately 11.5 to 22.5 volts. FUSEAn internal 15 Amp fuse is provided to prevent your power supply (transformer or power pack) from over heating in case of a catastrophic failure inside the Power Station. This is an automotive type (ATO) fuse. Replacements are available at most gas stations, auto parts stores or even Walmart. ATO fuses are color coded indicating the current rating. A 15 Amp fuse is blue. NOTE: This fuse is not a replacement for proper fusing between your transformer and the wall plug. Always protect your transformer with a fuse.