Boosters & Power Management

Digitrax DB150 Command Station/Booster

with Intelligent AutoReverse

$179.99 msrp

DB150 is shipped as part of the Super Empire Builder Sets. DB150 is also available separately.

Full LocoNet Capabilities. DB150 gives you the ultimate in expandability!

Up to 22 throttles in command station mode.

Use with any LocoNet throttle (DT400 series, DT300 series, DT100 series, DT200, UT2, UT1, BT2, Computer throttle, LocoPalm Throttle and new Digitrax and LocoNet Certified throttles to come soon)

Built in broadcast write only programmer. Genesis uses Paged Programming method exclusively.

Built in 5 Amp Digital Command Control Booster Rated at 80VA.

Many command station options are user customizable.

Accepts either 50/60Hz AC or DC input from your existing power supply. Minimum input voltage: 12V AC or DC, Maximum input voltage: 22V AC or 28V DC. The power supply you use should be within this range and should be overload protected for a maximum output of 4.5 amps DC.

Auto resetting over temperature & short circuit protection.

Digitrax Boosters are safe for use with all scales because they are multi scale selectable for N through G scale operations. N Scale=12V, HO Scale=15V, O/G Scale=20V.

Track Status indicator shows voltage and signal type (DCC or "Zero Stretch" Analog Signal for conventional operation.)

Stabilized Track Drive Output. Over Voltage Protected.

LocoNet Expansion Network for easy reliable system hook up and future system expansion. All connections are made with 6 conductor telco jacks & wire. The LocoNet wiring scheme gives you a very reliable system for sending your commands to the track and controlling your trains. For future expansion, LocoNet offers you full access to advanced features such as track level feedback for train detection, signaling & automated operation without the need to run a separate bus. LocoNet is more than just wiring, it is a fully integrated train control system.

Sync output configures DB150 Operating Mode & connects the DB150 to expansion boosters

High impedance balanced or unbalanced signal input receivers on the LocoNet Interface allow boosting of several different types of command control signals.

Auto shutdown if command control drive signal is lost so that the layout will not convert to DC operation if a cable or connection is broken. The trains won't just "take-off" if they are not getting the DCC signal.

Complies with FCC Part 15, Class B RFI Requirements.

DCC Compatible.

The DB150 has 3 user selectable operating modes for maximum flexibility & system expansion

5 Amp Precision Digital Command Control Booster Rated At 80 Watts. This booster gives you plenty of power to run several trains at a time. Even though blocking is not required for train control, you may find that you wish to section your layout because you want to run more locomotives than one power pack can handle or to keep the layout from shutting down when there is a short in any given power section. The DB150 also works as a powerful booster for other DCC compatible command stations, too.
Intelligent Auto Reversing Booster. "Look Ma, no hands!!!" This option is selectable when you are operating one DB150 or DCS100 as the main system booster and an additional DB150 (or other DB100 series booster) as the Auto Reverser. With this configuration, you can totally automate one or more reverse loops. The train crosses the gap, if the DB150 senses a short, it automatically matches the track polarities and the train keeps going. Note: You can handle reverse loops conventionally if you do not wish to add an extra booster to your system, the auto reverse feature was added to the DB150 primarily as an "extra goodie." You can also use PM42 Quad Power Manager to automate reversing sections if you don’t need the additional power provided by a booster.
DCC Command Station for Genesis II or Empire Builder II Set. The DB150 when used with a UT2 throttle performs as the Genesis II Set command station and gives you a truly cost effective, entry level DCC system. You can enjoy DCC without spending a lot of money & you can add on advanced equipment at your own pace to customize a system that's right for YOU! The DB150 when used with a DT300 or DT300R performs as the Empire Builder II Set command station.

DB200+ 8amp Booster $199.99 msrp

More power to you! The 8 amp version of the DB150 (but without command station capability). This booster is great for layouts that run lots of locos and for large-scale layouts where power requirements are heavy. This is a booster only and does not have command station capabilities.

Technical Note About DCC Booster Output Ratings: Digitrax boosters have maximum output current limits of either 5 or 8 amps. The actual continuous output current that your booster will provide to the layout depends on several factors including the input supply voltage, the ambient room temperature and air flow over the booster's heat sink. Higher input voltages increase the amount of heat that must be dissipated by the booster's heat sink. If the heat sink does not get enough air flow to allow for heat dissipation, the booster will eventually reach an over temperature state and shut down. A small fan blowing across the heat sink on your booster will increase the maximum sustained current output capacity of your booster.

Each DCC company specifies the output capacity of its boosters according to their own internal standards. Tests designed and performed by several model railroaders have shown wide variations in the actual output capacity of DCC boosters. In most cases the tests were designed to overload boosters and cause them to shut down. The conclusion based on these tests is that each manufacturer uses a different way of determining booster output capacity, Digitrax tends to be more conservative in stating booster output ratings. The factor that is most important for achieving maximum output capacity is the booster’s heat sinking ability. In these tests, Digitrax boosters have demonstrated excellent heat sinking capabilities and the ability to consistently output the advertised 5 or 8 amps when appropriate fans are added in high temperature situations.

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Page Last Updated 12-03-03