NCE SB3A Upgrade Manual - page 2
Page 2
Use only the power supply included with the SB5. Use of another supply will void the
warranty.
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 SB5, 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 SB5 marked Track.
Cab Bus - 6 Wire (RJ-12) Socket:
For small layouts and for checking out the system before final wiring, the Cabs can be
directly connected to the SB5. For larger layouts this jack provides the ability to connect a
longer/larger bus.
You may plug a cab directly into either of the cab bus jacks or a cab bus cable may be
used to connect to additional UTP connector panels around the layout.
Control Bus - 4 Wire (RJ-H) Socket:
Connect the 4 pin cable from this socket to the first DB5 or PB105 Booster. 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 SB5 is used
to connect the SB5 to other ground screws
on 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 SB5 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 SB5/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
POWER
TRACK
CONTROL BUS
CAB BUS
STATUS
SB5 Face Plate
To Track
Connecting wire
Connecting wire
SB5 Rear Panel
DB5 Rear Panel
DB5 Rear Panel