Digitrax power / block question

[RF&Prr]

 Just joined this forum, lots of great info to search through.

My setup:  Digitrax Superchief,  5A booster

I'm planning to build a 16x32 double deck HO layout with 2 operators and 16 to 20 possible engines to choose from, (most have sound).  So the max running would be 4 engines, 2 per operator or more depending on MU lashups, so maybe 6 or 7 engines max running.   I know there are many variables, but I think the yard configurations will play the most part in the power / blocking setup.  There are two yards on the lower level and one on the upper level all connected by a double track main.

Questions:  To power this layout do I need to count all engines on the layout or just the running engines. Do I need to use switches to turn the power off in areas that have the remaining engines or can I just leave them powered? 

How would you power / block this setup?  Upper deck / lower deck or set the mainline on it's own block and the rest on the other power / block? 

Using 2 command stations, do the loconet lines connect between them even thou they power 2 separate blocks?

 Thanks,

RF & PRR   (Richmond, Fredericksburg, Potomic & Pennsylvania RR)

[C&O Fan]

If it were mine I'd set up each yard as it's own power district and one for the main

That way if a short occurs due to a derailed car in one of the yards

  it won't shut dow the whole layout

I doubt you need to count more than 10 locos

I use power routing Peco switches

That way i can park a loco and turn the power off just by closing the turnout  

[cmarchan]

Questions:  To power this layout do I need to count all engines on the layout or just the running engines. Do I need to use switches to turn the power off in areas that have the remaining engines or can I just leave them powered? 

Answer: The maximum amount of current required per booster controlled area  (you can have multiple districts per booster via circuit breakers or lamp current limiters) is more relevant for choosing boosters. BTW only one booster can be configured as a command station. 5A boosters can comfortably control 4 to 5  locomotives with early QSI sound; Soundtraxx or Loksound equipped locos: 5 to 7; updated QSI locos: 5 to 7 units. The earlier QSI units create a current surge at the point of startup which can trip some circuit breakers; there are time delay adjustments with some breakers; consult the manufacturer for details. Switching off the power on sidings or staging areas will allow more locos to sit on the layout at one time without creating overload. If you love the effect of idling power during a session, be aware of the power limits as predescribed.

 

How would you power / block this setup?  Upper deck / lower deck or set the mainline on it's own block and the rest on the other power / block? 

Answer: The easy answer is one booster per level with circuit breaker protection; one for each yard and mainline section; one for any blind spot (hidden by scenery or a staging area) that approaches a turnout connecting a siding or a diverging route to the main line. Circuit breakers or 1156 tail lamps protecting such areas help to minimize interruption of the mainline during an operating session. If you only have one breaker covering the mainline and sidings for example, if a locomotive runs into a switch thrown against it, the entire layout or power zone can shut down .

Using 2 command stations, do the loconet lines connect between them even thou they power 2 separate blocks?

Answer: Remember to set only one command station / booster as the command station. The other boosters receive their commands from the master unit. the LocoNet bus provides the communication network between the command station/booster  and the slave boosters.