dcc first step

[r.y.a.n]

i am running a n scale layout 8ft long by 2.5 feet wide. i want to run dcc on it, and i will only be running 4-5 locomotives. i have not wired anything yet nor have i got a controller. so my question is....is this layout small enough to just have power from the controller or do i need to get a booster. 2nd question is....if i need a booster does the power from the controller go to the booster then from the booster to the track? please help

[simon1966]

You more than likely will not need a booster,

If you did need a booster, then you would divide the layout into 2 sections.  The main command station would power one section, the booster the other.  These sections would be isolated from each other with plastic rail joiners.  There would be a cable connecting the command station to the booster to send the DCC commands to the booster section of the layout.  The cable will vary according to brand of DCC equipment.  However, as I mention above, it is very unlikely that you will need a booster as 5 n scale locos is well within the capacity of anything that is out there.

[Silver Pilot]

Have you followed the links provided to you in your other posts?  You will be served best by following those links and reading the material available on them so that you have a better understanding of what DCC is, how it works and what you need to look for in a system.  People have provided you with advice and sources of information, respect what they've provided and use and read them.

[tstage]

ryan,

For a 8 x 2-1/2 and 4-5 locomotives in N-scale, you shouldn't need a booster.  The following are essentially "starter" systems and would be able to handle that:

• MRC Prodigy Express - 1.6A(mps) - $140 (discount)
  
• NCE Power Cab - 1.7A - $150 (discount)
• Digitrax Zephyr - 2.5A - $160 (discount)

Your choice of any of the above would be based on your preferences and needs and if you see your layout expanding in the future.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[simon1966]

Silver Pilot

Have you followed the links provided to you in your other posts?

 I have to agree, I kind of thought the same thing.  However for persistence in asking essentially the same question in multiple ways, the OP deserves some recognition.