Soon I will drive the golden spike in my main line and I am planning on using DCC. I have several questions about DCC. I used to have DCC on a previous layout, a Digitrax starter set that was enough for that small layout. The system is around 6 years old though, and I am looking at getting the Super Empire Builder(Radio) to replace it. My questions are how do you wire for reverse loops, and will I need a seperate booster for each reverse loop? (Currently there are 2 reverse loops, maybe more in the future.) Also my layout has a main line run of 230'. Will that require more than one booster to operate efficently? Last, can my old Digitrax system be used in congunction with the new one. I would like to at least re-use the CT4 throttle. If more boosters are needed will the DB100+ booster from my old system work. Just looking for some answers before I shell out 500 bucks. thanks, Brian
I'll answer what I can, I'm not sure about your early Digitrax system. Is it the "Genesis?" About power: You can have a thousand foot run and as long as your bus is sufficiently thick and your feeders are adequately spaced, you won't need more power (okay I exaggerate but not a whole lot). What determines your power needs are the loco power requirements; the more locos the more power required. Reversing loops: no extra boosters are required for the reversing loop. If you want to stay in the Digi family, the PM42 is both an auto-reversing unit, and a circuit breaker depending on your needs. There are four units so you can choose which way you want to run the individual unit - automatically reversing your loop, or circuit breaking. On my layout, I have two reversing loops back to back and I am using the PM42. I will be running another reversing loop on the upper deck, the other two are on the lower deck; the PM42 will manage that one as well. Is it compatible: I don't know which Digi you have but my gut instincts are that it isn't but the best place to find out quickly is to post to the Yahoo! Groups Digitrax site. I know the early systems that Digi made at the entry level weren't upwardly compatible, but you should be happy to know I could be wrong in this thinking.
You can use your DB100+ as a booster. I have a DCS100 and a DB100+. Sorry but I don't think you can use the CT4 but I am not sure. A lower cost option to a PM42 is the new AR1 reverse section controller. Digitrax just came out with this. Its only function is to control a single reverse loop. David
