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[quote user="dadret"]I'm building my second layout and first DCC and have been doing a lot of homework on setting up the DCC but I am really wondering if I need to divide my relatively small layout into power districts. I probably won't run more than three locos at one time and my layout is approx 18' x 12'. I've purchased an MRC Prodigy Advance (which is probably more than I need but I got it for a great price). Do I really need additional power boosters, and , if so, do I have to use one by MRC or will any brand work. (I plan to control my switches with the DCC also as soon as I figure out how. I know I will need one or more stationary decoders).[/quote] I have a Prodigy Advance and can tell you that it will run at least four sound equipped engines with power left over for other use. You will not need any boosters. You do need to divide your layout into several power districts.  If you have a problem (derailment or short) in one district; the others will continue to operate.  The other advantage of several districts is that you will know "about" where the problem is and not have to troubleshoot the entire layout. The "easy" way to protect power districts is to use a 1156 tail light bulb for each district.  The bulb will light up on a short and show which district has the problem.  It will limit the current flowing to about 2 amps to "protect" your wiring and also will allow other power districts to continue to operate. I am using eight power districts on a 75" x 178" room sized layout that has 300' of track.  I make each yard a district and have three climbing loops on one and a continuous run loop on another.  I have had derailments in one district and enjoyed normal operation in all of the others. I use Atlas snap switches and do not control them from the throttle.  If you are running two or more engines; trying to access the switches from the throttle can get confusing (it may work well for you though).
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