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A really 'ridiculous' question..... I'm new to this DCC stuff and I am trying to gather all the information I can get. I'm seriously looking into getting a complete system Digitrax or Atlas). The club I'm in is looking into switching their layout from 'block control' to DCC (we do have a couple individuals who are verey against it). What I would like to know is what the booster generator does. Does it provide more power to run more locmotives? Does it increase the transmitting signal as well as the locomotive power capabilities? Why would you need more and why does some (if not all) the systems have a maximum allowable amount of added booster generators (I believe Atlas allows up to 3 boosters). Is this the actual power to run the locomotives or just to transmit the 'carrier control signals'. If it is not the actual power, why can't I use a more powerful DC power supply (example=deep cycle batteries, like we had with slot cars *I realize that some of the special 'pulsing' slow start effects may not be available with batteries*. These gave us up to 400+ amps of 'cranking' power). With a power source lilke this, you could run nearly every model train in the California. There must be a catch. I know (or led to understand) that 'full power and voltage' is always available and constant with a DCC system. The decoder actually regulates how much voltage the motor is actually getting based on what is being sent to it by the 'commander'. This may sound like a 'stupid question', but I've always believed that the only 'true stupid question' is the one not asked. So if someone would be kind enoough to fill me in on what these power boosters are and what they do and why there is a limit on how many you can have, it would be very greatly appreciated. thanks Mike
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