Many clubs use a DCS100/200 as a Booster in their setups. Digitrax does not recommend using a DCS100/200 as a Booster only for this type of setup. If you decide to do so, please keep this information in mind:
- The DCS100/200 configuration is stored in memory that uses a CR2032 battery. Over time the battery can get weak and the DCS100/200 will loose its ability to store its configuration. When this happens, the DCS100/200 will sound 7 beeps at power up. It will also revert back to its factory settings and once again become a Command Station. Since LocoNet can only have one Command Station, undesirable operation will occur.
- Before using the DCS100/200 as a Booster only, change the CR2032 battery.
- Disconnect any connections to the Programming Track. Crosstalk can be induced from the Rail A &B and the Prog A & B connections that again can cause undesirable operation of the DCS100/DCS200.
- If your DCS100/200 is in a ‘DCC in a Box’ configuration, you can connect 1.5k ohm resistors between Prog A and ground & Prog B and ground. This will eliminate the crosstalk and will not have any negative impact on programming once the DCS100/200 is once again made a Command Station.
- Always connect a Heavy Gauge ground wire between your Command Station and all the Boosters in the system.
- A Heavy Gauge ground wire is also needed for PM42, BDL168 and any other hardware that requires a ground.
To make a DCS100/200 into a Booster OPSw2 needs to be set to ‘c’ (closed). Instructions for changing DSC100/200 Option Switches can be found in the manual.