You need a booster when track voltage drops noticeably or boosters switch off.

The question is: how many trains are running at the same time and how many light bulbs burn?

You know you reached the limit when the booster or central switches off with overload ...
Two fully lighted trains could be too much while six locos with unlighted coaches work fine.

Old AC/DC motors (6080, Delta) draw more current than modern locos.

I am always amazed at how much can be put on the tracks and how large a layout can be run completely without boosters.

If you have the upgraded CS you can now read the actual power consuption of your layout.

Hey?Where?Mine is the upgraded one.What do i have to push?

Is the icon on the right of the turnout/switch command panel, the one that seem an arrow on dial, version 2.0.4 though.

To use a 66045 as booster, you have to

1. disconnect the 66045 from the power supply (transformer) so that it is unpowered
2. if you have skipped step 1 go back to step 1
3. disconnect the 6605 and bridge (i.e. directly connect) the two grey plugs
4. feed the digital signal from the CU's (red plug) track output into the blue plug. Use brown as common ground.
5. set the selector switch to the right stop position
6. power on your 66045

Looks like Mark forgot to include the link to his diagram, so here's a picture of how it's done!



Don't forget the track isolators between powered sections, and you'll probably need some rocker insulators too - these lift the loco ski as it passes over so that the ski does not short together the 2 powered sections.

Edited by moderator 11 January 2011 14:01:26(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I think that is meant to be 30va, Eric. 30 amps would weld loco wheels to the track!

Hello Monster.

My general advice when using Delta 66045 as boosters. ( I sell many, CHEAP )

The diagram shown by Bigdaddy is correct, WHEN using a 6021 as control unit.

When using a mobile-station or CS as control unit, you should IMHO NOT let
the trains run from a section powered by boosters, to a section powered by MS / CS.
The short you make between the two electrical systems might blow up your MS / CS

Example:

1 layout section powered by CS /MS + 4 sections powered by boosters is IMHO not a good solution

I would power all layout sections by 5 boosters, leaving the output from the CS / MS "unused".

"Unused" as in only used for programming track, and input signal for the boosters.

A have made a "beginners" instruction in Danish, which can be found here
I haven't had time yet to make a English version for you; but please look at the pictures.



Both the above quoted statements are correct!

The Delta 66045 is designed to give 35-40 VA when used as designed.
It has NO electronic maximum-current-circiut; only a bi-metalic fuse.

If powered from a huge transformer, the current in case of a short, WILL BE 30+ Ampere;
until the bi-metalic fuse is heated, and shut the Delta 66045 of.
This period of time, where the current is 30+ Ampere, can be 1-5 seconds.

The short-circiut-current is the reason for me to ALWAYS recommend a small transformer.

In the article on the Danish forum is shown a setup, using 5 Delta 66045 + 5 x 6647 transformer.

I find this solution good, even though ONE big transformer could have delivered
the same current; I will not recommend anyone to use a big trafo.

Follow Me! and you will find my Delta 66045 offer.
Cut the crap and the silly jokes; the essence of the offer is true, I have lots in stock.

As you are my first potential customer in SA, I might be tempted to give you a discount!

Send me a E-mail / private message, and I'll make you an offer you can't refuse

I'll be back.

Per.

[:p][^][:(!][xx(][:(][B)][:X][:0] PEr Do Not forget 10% Commission to the CLAN. OR Beware. [}:)][}:)]

I find it very difficult to uncouple my cars with the Purellum Wooden Hand Uncoupler.

Maybe it is something wrong with mine, as it is a prototype.
The cars very easy derails, and even fall over on the side, when attempting to uncouple. I have even tested with some Danish cars, if the Purellum Wooden Hand Uncoupler should work only on Danish cars.

I have tested from the right side, from the left side, with my right hand hand my left hand all with both ends of the Purellum Wooden Hand Uncoupler. Very difficult.

I even asked my wife to test. She refused [:(]

A photografic evidence:



I need some advice.

[V]

In a semi-big layout I think I would devide my tracks into electrical sections, and fead each section by a separate booster.

Maybe like this?
Booster 1 - main station and shunting area with several switches, signals and locomotives in operation
Booster 2 - main line, longer track section, including block operation. Maybe three or four trains in operation simultaniously
(Booster 2b - if more trains and a double track main line I would feed each track with it's own booster)
Booster 3 - sidetracks, locomotive maintanance area etc.