Adding A Digitrax DB200 Booster

[alloboard]

     I have a layout that is powered by a Digitrax DB150 and a Digitrax PM42. I need to upgrade my layout by providing 8 amps. I will add A DB200+ 8 amp booster. I have to connect a common ground of the DB200+ to a command station and any other boosters or devices requiring a common ground. How will I be able to connect the ground cable to my DB200+, DB150 and PM42 at once. That's what I find a confusing. Is there any suggestions on how to connect a ground cable to all three devices and how should it be done?

[tstage]

I agree with David.  Have you calculated how much current you actually "need" for your current locomotive roster?

How big is your layout?  The last that I remember it was on the floor and wasn't really much larger than a 4 x 8.  Also, those umpteen number of signals you plan on getting aren't gong to eat up that much current for you to jump to 8 amps.

Don't exemplify "Tusser's Idiom of Economics".  (That's your google challenge of the day. )

Tom

[richhotrain]

davidmbedard

What are you running that requires 8 amps?

I highly recommend that you do NOT choose an 8 amp booster as you are entirely relying on it's internal short protection. If it does not trip properly, you will destroy any electronics in the district. With 8 amps you are in welding territory. 5 amps is plenty for entire club sized layouts, just use more pm42s or tail light bulbs for short protection.

David B

I love the smell of boosters in the morning!

Rich

[rrinker]

 I've run an awful lot of locos on just the 2.5 amps of the Zepyr, are you REALLY sure you need to add 8 more amps on top of the 5 you have now? Our club layout stretches 160 feet long by 28 feet wide, and we have a total or 3 5 amp DB150's providing power to the track, and it't MORE than enough, even on days with high turnout - so many trains running that someone is always waiting at a red signal for another train to get out of the way.

 Also what power supply do you plan to run that 8 amp bootser? Digitrax doesn;t have an 8 amp supply, although bigger with an appropriate fuse is OK. ANd do not feed the 8 amps right tot he track, get another PM42 or two and break the layout into smaller power districts, feeding some from the DB150 and the rest of the DB200, if you really must add the extra power.

 For the ground wire - just run a bus and tap it off, just like the track bus. One end in the DB150, one end in the DB200, and splice in a couple of drops to each PM42 and any other accessories that need a common.

                --Randy

 

[alloboard]

I see, you're right. I got the feeling that I might need 8 amps.