Power and signal booster

[scuboo]

Hi 

 

I'm new to dcc, ive just bought the elink system. I was wondering could I use the hornby power and signal booster with the elink and what advantages it has, or what exactly it is for.

Thanks

Robert 

[2e0dtoeric]

The power booster is intended for very large, multi-loco, multi-loop layouts, like a club exhibition track, and is intended to be used to control one loop, while the other (s) have their own units, all connected to the one controller, (pref the Elite, etc, with more functions), thus reducing the amps load on the controller. It also provides a form of isolation between loops, so if there is a derailment on one loop, the whole layout doesn't perform a crash-stop, just the affected loop.

[Yelrow]

As 2eOd says, forget it, totally un necessary. john

[scuboo]

Thanks guys, I had no idea at all. So using the elink only think I should get is the 4 amp transformer instead of the 1 amp transformer.

[Yelrow]

Only if you are going to have a lot of points and signals. I would stay as you are, get it all sorted  first. Hornby say 1amp is ok. john

[Fishmanoz]

Robert, yes, forget the booster and the 4 Amp, follow my advice in the other threads. You will get it working.

 

You won't need the booster until your layout fills both car spaces in your double garage.  You won't need the 4 Amp until you have actually running at the same time at least 5 locos.  You can have as many as you like just sitting on the layout, it's only the running ones that count.  And you can have lots of points and signals being operated too.  And with the 4 Amp providing 3 Amps to the track, things can go wrong more easily. Ask yelrow about his melting points - see General forum in a thread by that name, noting the thread is generating nearly as much forum heat as it is melting points, even in freezing France.

[scuboo]

Once again guys thank you very much.