I’m sure this has been asked many times so why not once more. I have a Digitrax DCS50 rated at 2.5 amps. Since I will want to run more trains than this allows, I need to add a booster. In looking at the Digitrax web site, it seems the DCS200+, a booster only device rated at 8 amps, is the best way to go. What do you guys think? I’m open to any suggestions. I will also buy an additional UT4 (I already have one) for other operators.
Ron K.
The DCS200 is actually an 8-amp version of the Super Chief command station/booster. The DB200+ is an 8-amp booster only. You say you need more than 2.5 amps - how many trains are youplanning to run? If it’s more than 10, you need a different command sation as well as more power, since the Zephyr only handles 10 trains regardless of the power draw. Bigger isn’t always better - unless you are in G scale, you don’t want to be hooking an 8 amp booster directly tot he tracks. Instead, you should break your layout up into power districts and apply some sort of short protection, ie Tony’s PowerShields or the PM42.
If you get the DCS100 or DCS200, you can make that the command station and set the Zephyr to be a booster only. This effectively changes your system into a Super Chief.
–Randy
Randy, If I understand things correctly, each locomotive draws just under 1 amp. This tells me that even though theDCS50 can be programmed for 10 trains, the current limits the number of trains running at any one time to three. Since I have a double main line plus a coaling section, I will probably want to run at least five trains at any given time. Thus the need for a booster. I will be breaking the layout into several power districts using circuit breaker protection. Your suggestion seems to address both situations. Thanks.
Ron K.
For most newer locomotives the current draw is much less than 1 amp per Loco. I have the MRC PA which puts out 3.5 amps (with an upgraded power supply) and I have had 5 engines (3 with sound) running at the same time with no problem.
If you have older locomotives then you may need the power, but if they are newer you should be fine with what you have. If you do decide to get a booster, I would recommend the DB150. It can be a command station or a booster, but is probably best served as a 5 amp booster for the Digitrax loconet.
I don’ think ANY loco I have draws 1 full amp. Even my T-1 with sound is MAYBE .5 amps tops. My Stewart DS4-4-1000 for example, draws .1 amp oerating and about .25 amps stalled.
I have successfully run the folloing combination all at the same time with my Zephyr BLI M1a, PCM T-1 (x2 - double headed), A Soundtraxx LC driving a resistor to simulate the motor load, a P2K GP7, and a P2K S-1. That’s 6 locos, 4 with sound. You may have heard about current inrush problems, expecially with the QSI - well, I deliberately shorted the track while these locos were running and when I removed the short everything came back running, no problems whatsoever. I’ve considered adding an additional booster, but have since held off, I don’t seem to need it just yet.
I’d go with what knewsome suggests, a DB150. And get the NCE power supply - it’s the same box as the Digitrax PS515 but $10 cheaper. You can probably run what you want with the Zephyr alone, so you don’t need an 8 amp booster. Plus it’s a lot easier finding affordable power supplies for a 5 amp booster than for an 8 amp.
–Randy
I picked up a SEB cheap on E-bay and got myself the DB150 and a DT400 at the same time to go with my Zephyr. I just use th DB as a booster and continue to use the Zeohyr as a command/Booster. As for power supplies, take a look at the MagnaForce from DCC Specialties. $36 from Litchfieldstation and IMO a far better powersupply.
Thanks for all the suggestions. It sure helps and will help me make the right choices. It’s good to hear that being told to figure 1 amp per loco was an exageration. I will now wait until I see my current system (no pun intended) is overloaded.
Ron K.