NCE has indeed been very helpful over the years. Awhile back I called NCE and asked about the suitability of using a Lionel 180W brick. The tech was non-committal saying they hadn't tested one with their 10 amp booster.
Other background info: Input power to a NCE 10 amp boosters can be AC or DC but must be at least 18V and provide a minimum of 10 amps under load. . The DCC output to the rails is a special AC wave form superimposed with the DCC command packets. With NCE 10 amp boosters the output voltage to the rails is adjustable by a pot in the booster (I set my boosters to 15.5 v). Phasing the DCC output among multiple NCE boosters is handled by the system when you connect the booster cases to one another with a wire - creating a reference "common". NVE cautions not to conned the DCC booster common to the house 120v service ground wire.
In the past I've tried a NCE Brutus as well as a low cost imported 24VAV switching power supply. Both had internal fans that could be heard when trains weren't moving. I'd like a power supply that can't be heard - and is electrically protected (I uses DCC SpecialtiesPSX PowerShields between each boosters and the layout). Does the Lionel 180W brick have a fan - if so is it quiet? Based on Thor73's post I'll also look into the switching power supply he cited in his post.
Thanks all for the feedback.
