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How many DCC boosters are needed for HO scale layout?

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  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Saturday, October 16, 2021 4:19 PM

I think the fact that the layout will be set up in two different rooms may be reason enough to divide the layout into two booster districts, one booster in each room. That will give you better control over the layout.

My experience is with an NCE 5 amp wireless PH-Pro system with a second 5 amp booster (DB5). I started out with one booster but eventually added the second booster for better control over multiple power districts.

Have you decided which DCC system you will use on your new layout?

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 216 posts
How many DCC boosters are needed for HO scale layout?
Posted by NILE on Saturday, October 16, 2021 4:03 PM

I am building a new layout, my layout room is a trapazoid shape with the walls 15 1/2' x12 1/2' x20' and the front being about 15' across.  I am planning another room for a staging yard that will probably be along two walls 6' x 12'.  I have a log of engines and a good number of them have sound.  I have noticed that these engines draw more power and on my last layout I was limited to five engines at a time.  Bascially two trains, one with two engines and one with three.  If I ran any more than that the DCC system would short out.  I also have a couple of big steam engines, with sound and smoke.  Those seem to draw even more power.

In addition to my command staiton, I think I need two boosters.  I can split the main layout in 1/2, between the command station and a booster.  Then use the other booster for the staging yard.  I might build the staging yard off of a wye, so the booster would also be the auto reverser.  

I would like to hear anyone's oppinion on this?

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