Digitrax DB100a - good booster?

[farrellaa]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Digitrax DB100a to be used as a booster and wondered if it is as good as the newer DB150? Are there any significant differences between the two? I didn't see much on the Digitrax website. I have a new Digitrax 5amp power supply that I purchased a few years ago thinking I would eventually upgrade to a bigger unit should my needs warrant it.

Thanks,

   -Bob

[RR Baron]

The Digitrax DB100A was discontinued in 1998. Save your money for a DB150.

[jrbernier]

The DB100A was part of an older system (Big Boy?). I purchased one for $50 about 10 years ago from a LHS that was closing. I have used it along with a DB150 and DCS100 on my layout. It will operate just like a DB150 in booster mode.

[CSX Robert]

farrellaa

I didn't see much on the Digitrax website.

From the Digitrax homepage go to Support -> Manuals & Instruction Sheets

On the scond line of the page, click on "To view retired product documentation, click here."

This will take you to a page with the manuals all of the retired Digitrax products.

http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/command-stations-boosters/db100a/documents/Challenger%20Manual%20CT4.pdf

farrellaa

Are there any significant differences between the two?

 If you are just using it as a booster, no.  Both can be use as a command station, but the DB100a does not use Loconet throttles if use as one.

[mfm37]

Nothing wrong with a DB100A as a booster. That is what its original intent was - a booster. It had a command station (Challenger, IIRC) in it but that was not a loconet based command station. The required jumper between Sync and Ground disables the command station to use it as a booster. Connect it to any Digitrax system with a loconet cable and a larger wire between the "ground" terminals. It can also be added to any other DCC system as a booster with a custom cable.

DB150 replaced it because Digitrax added a loconet based command station to the board and marketed it as the Empire Builder set to replace the Big Boy system.

DB200 is still available. It is the 8 amp version of the DB100A.

Martin Myers