Confused about DCC components.

[IRONROOSTER]

I found it a little confusing when I first started trying to understand it. The problem is the that the manufacturers do different combinations of components. There are five components. The throttle which connects to the command center which connects to the booster . The power supply connects to the booster. The booster connects to the track to the decoder in the locomotive. The first four components are combined in various ways, but all have to be present.
Throttle - where you control the trains.
Command center - where the throttle input is converted to the commands for the train.
Booster - where the power from the power supply is combined with the signal from the command center and sent to the track.
Power supply - the power to operate the trains.
Decoder - decodes the command signal and acts accordingly, it controls the power the locomotive gets for the motor, lights, sounds, etc.

This isn't the whole story, but should help you get started. Check out the links mentioned above.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

You can use a power supply from any vendor, so long as it provides sufficient amps and steady voltage to the booster.

A good place to get info is at Tony's Train Exchange: http://www.tonystrains.com/ . They have a beginners guide to DCC on their website that'll answer most of your questions, and carry just about all available DCC stuff on the market for great (if not the best) prices around. And they're really helpful and knowledgeable, and will gladly talk to you on the phone to find out what type of layout you have and make recommendations as to what type of DCC system you should get.

Check them out!

[rrinker]

Not to mention that they ARE sold all over the world and there are for more place sin the world that do NOT use our 120VAC 60hz power source then there are places that do use it. So if the power supply were built in to the booster, each manufacturer would have to make and stock multiple versions of what is the exact same device EXCEPT for the power supply. Plus a 5-10 amp power transformer is HEAVY - so for a US DCC manufacturer to have to ship transformers overseas, and for European DCC manufacturers to ship transformers here, would not make sense.

Keep in mind a DCC power supply really is nothing more than a transformer witha fuse. Not sure what the point of something like Loy's Model Train Fuel is, it's a kit of parts to build your own, except you cnaabuy preassembled power supplies at a lower cost. You can build your own if you know what you're doing with 120VAC wiring. If you don't know, then don't even attempt it, a mistake with that is VERY dangerous. Suitable components can be found at supply houses like Jameco, Digikey, or Mouser.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

The booster acts as an amplifier between the power supply and the track. You should be able to use the same power supply for the booster and other components. Depending on how big your track is, you may only need one booster. See "Digital Command Control the Comprehensive Guide to DCC" pages 40-41 for a discussionon how much power one booster can hold.

Apparently the reason the power supply is sold separately because of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval required in the US - Many of the parts are sold all arouond the world, but in the US, strict power/codes are required, so the power supply is sold separately.

Also, components are interchangeable to the extent they meet NMRA standards, but its probably best to stay with the same manufacturer.

[Anonymous]

I am a little confused about DCC. I am supposed to shell out a couple of hundred bucks for a DCC system that doesn't come with a transformer/power supply. Then, I need to buy a power supply. Then, for expansion, I need to buy an additional booster, which is also expensive and requires a separate power supply. Why don't boosters contain their own power supply? Wouldn't that make sense? If a booster (the name alone normally would mean a power unit) needs a separate power supply, why are they so expensive? I have read quite a bit, but all the literature just says you need this and that, but not why. Can I go to an electronics supplier for a transformer/power supply, or do I need to buy everything from the same manufacturer? HELP!!!
Tim