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dcc addresses equal maximum number of engines?
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[quote user="m sharp"] <p>Alan, I have mostly Athearn B/B, Genesis, Proto 2000, Kato, Atlas. Only a few engines currently have decoders installed. I will be running a maximum of 5 engines at a time with two throttles. </p><p>Mike</p><p>[/quote]</p><p>A max of five loco's with two throttles will work with just about any system, except the bottom of the line stuff. Pick a system that fits your operating style and that "feels good" in your hand.</p><p>Can you use tethered throttles? How long do the tethers need to be? Several of the systems will allow ports to be placed around the layout to plug in throttles where needed. Some of the systems will allow you to move a throttle from port to port without loosing control. Wireless is nice, but more expensive.</p><p>I use a Prodigy Advance on my layout and love it. I use two throttles and two people could easily control 5 loco's. I have a Zephyr on my work bench because I wanted computer interface there. Both systems are expandable and both "feel" different to use. If possible, you need to play with a few systems.</p><p>The last consideration is power. Most systems are easily expandable with boosters. I installed a RampMeter in my layout because I kept hearing how power hungry sound locos were. I model small steam and was surprised to find that my average loco while running, with sound on, only drew 0.15 amp. Eight sound locos, just sitting on the layout, with sound on, not running only draw 0.12 amp. There have been several threads on power consumption on the General Discussion forum. You need to find out how much current <strong>your </strong>typical loco consumes and go from there. Either measure a few on DC with an amp meter or use a RampMeter with DCC. Do not rely on reports from others that have not actually measured current consumption. Some of the Model Railroader review include current consumption information. </p><p>What does all this mean? Get any system that delivers 2 amps or more. Get the system that feels good and fits your layout use. <strong>Then</strong> worry about adding boosters if needed. With two operators and five running locos; you will need to use several power districts anyhow, for "best" operations.</p><p> </p>
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