DCS Explorer Power Supply

AS far as I know, the DCS Explorer does not come with a power supply. So, there isn't a DCS Explorer power supply per se.

Mine came with one. Maybe they just include them with it if you get a train set. So I guess my comments apply to the standard DCS Explorer power supply that MTH ships with train sets.

@Mark Holmgren 110217 posted:

I’ve been using my kid’s DCS Explorer on my new layout since I finally have something big enough for multiple trains. I have 52 liner feet of track with seven switches. Everything works great but it can’t fire the switches. Attempting to fire a switch or driving into one the wrong way kills the power.

I subbed out the DCS Explorer power supply for the one from my DCS Remote Commander and everything works great. But the Explorer power supply won’t power the Remote Commander at all.

The Explorer power supply outputs 15V at a mere .375 amps. The Remote Commander power supply outputs 18V at 54W, or 3 amps. The Explorer can withstand 6 amps.

Has anyone else rigged up alternative power for a DCS Explorer?

Well, wherever that power supply came from it isn't very powerful... It's about 5 watts per the specs you gave unless you meant to say 3.75 amps which is closer to 55 watts.  5 watts might be enough to actually turn on the Remote Commander.I'm surprised it worked with the Explorer.

One thing to also check is the barrel connector, make sure that it is a 5.5mm in length with a 2.1mm center hole. I've seen some with a 2.5mm center hole that appear to fit perfectly but the center pin never makes contact and the device remains unpowered. The pin diameter on the Remote Commander may be slightly bigger and just barely makes the connection where as the pin on Explorer is unable to make contact.

What is the make and model of the "Explorer" power supply do you have? As mentioned earlier, the Explorer does not include a power supply. When purchased as a stand alone device, it is intended to replace a Z-Controller, IR Remote, of DCS remote commander and reuse your existing MTH power supply.

The manual refers to it as “DCS Explorer power supply.”  The bottom of the brick says “Intertek” model no SNB1503750TU. And you’re right is 3.750 amps not 0.375. I screwed up the conversion from milliamps.

Intertek is a test and certification lab. It's an alternative to UL.

Okay it also says Helms-Man. Here’s a pic.

Okay, back to your original question. The DCS Explorer power supply may not be high enough voltage for your switches. You didn't say what switches you have.

It's MTH RealTrax

I had MTH RealTrax and always powered it on 16 VAC or more, but I do not know what the minimum is. That generic power supply that MTH included in their train sets may be sub par. The nameplate rating voltage and current should be both together. That is. nameplate voltage at the rated current. Some overseas products may not comply with this standard practice. Noteable, that the included power supply isn't an MTH brand.

I suspect the voltage is fine, the amperage is inadequate for a train and seven switches.  I did find a 15 volt 6 amp power supply on Amazon but haven't tested it extensively yet.  I would power the switches separately as suggested above.

Realtrax switches will throw at 14 volts with ease and still work at 12 volt reliably.  My current layout uses a dedicated 15 volt supply rated for 4 amps which is plenty to run the 11 switches. (Keep in mind that you only throw one maybe two at the same time) the peak amperage draw of the switch is about 1 amp per switch for less than one second. The peak draw is gone long before a circuit breaker even had a thought about tripping. The switch doesn't draw any power (other than light bulb in the lantern) when not in operation.

Running your switches on auxiliary power is truly the best way to operate them regardless of the manufacture. You will avoid voltage spikes and drops from that sudden power draw. The Explorer has an advance power protection system that may pick up on that power draw and cause the shutdown.