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    Ken Patterson HO fire

    Digitrax tech support does admit that their controllers auto cycle back on after a brief time to see if short is resolved.
  2. R

    Ken Patterson HO fire

    And I just purchased 2 portable fire extinguishers!
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    Ken Patterson HO fire

    Response from Digitrax tech support about Peterson fire and need for additional circuit breaker: From Engineering: The system command station/boosters/power managers provide track side circuit protections assuming adequate layout wiring. We do recommend current protection devices between the...
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    Ken Patterson HO fire

    Did anyone determine root cause of Ken Patterson unattended train operation fire on his basement layout? He had no real smoke alarms I am told either to avoid triggering when he was smoking in the basement area. Luckily he had operational fire extinguishers!
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    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    Bill: check out Larry Puckett 3 You Tube videos on how to build a panel from scratch pretty inexpensively. And he will answer questions you might have as you do your own panel plan.
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    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    As I said in early post, control panel on my layout (before next 50 sq ft expn.) not much value added since I have ground signals tied to cobalts & Atlas switches. If I added a complex ladder yard with multiple crossovers, might revise panel for small piece of layout. But DCC Concepts designed...
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    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    I can run 2 trains with the Digitrax dual controller walk round since I have a LONG stretch out 25 ft as a mainline and run the 2nd train around 4 x 8 loop loops. Cobalt IP switches programmed on dual controller and marked on small signs at each switch location. Then ground signals (green/red)...
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    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    LP’s videos are excellent but building his control panels is not a trivial exercise and it too involves some cost for tools, supplies and time to complete for what I see as minor reward now. If operations after the next layout expansion point to some more signaling or a layout panel with LED...
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    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    When I got the DCC Concepts estimated pricing I put a stop to considering their panels. Larry Puckett had 3 You Tube videos on making your own panels but prefer to spend the immediate time on enlarging the layout around perimeter of room and doing scenery.
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    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    That’s why I have Digitrax 2 train controller
  11. R

    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    Thanks guys for comments! DCC Concepts Panels are nice but cost $1000-2000 PLUS tariffs & shipping. Too rich for basically LED and central switch control. Already have Ground signal lights (green/red) operated off Cobalt digital switches. I am enlarging my layout around 2 more walls of room with...
  12. R

    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    I ma I may enlarge another 50 sq ft with some long runs. Digitrax controllers very easy to switch with!
  13. R

    control panels for HO small to medium layouts

    I am completing a 90 square ft HO layout with 14 Cobalt IP switches plus 4 Atlas snap switches powered by DS52 stationary decoders and 36 DCC Concepts ground signals (green/red). I use Digitrax Zephyr Express as command station and Dual throttle by Digitrax. I plan to run 3-4 trains at one time...
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    Realistic HO signage at turnouts

    I am looking for HO realistic signage at turnouts / switches to identify the switch number (15 switches total) for throwing by Digitrax DT6D or other throttle. I want to label the signage with the actual switch number as I run multiple trains around the layout but make the effort unobtrusive.
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    Do I need a booster for my Zephyr Express & DT6D handheld controller?

    Thanks for your VERY direct answers to my questions. No power districts or reversing sections. Why did you ask?
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    Do I need a booster for my Zephyr Express & DT6D handheld controller?

    It will trip if a short and then reset when short is resolved. I have heard that is a good test that you are not overloading the layout (IF it does NOT trip, then a booster is indicated.)
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    Do I need a booster for my Zephyr Express & DT6D handheld controller?

    Diesel: thanks for your engine amperage response. The 16 Cobalt digital and Atlas snap switches and ground signal lights (2 for each switch) all powered by bus lines. Have you heard of DCC Concepts Alpha meter to measure amperage ? Any thoughts on purchasing this to keep track of amperage load...
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    Do I need a booster for my Zephyr Express & DT6D handheld controller?

    12 gauge buss plus about 20 ft from Zephyr Express control station.
  19. R

    Do I need a booster for my Zephyr Express & DT6D handheld controller?

    Where do you find max loco amperage? Does anyone think the momentary 16 digital switches described above and the 1-2 ground signals with each one draw much amperage?
  20. R

    Do I need a booster for my Zephyr Express & DT6D handheld controller?

    Earlier Digitrax tech support mentioned buying a DCS210 (not the DB210 I was assuming). Why was this suggested and what are the differences in specifications, operation & price? I have finished soldering my additional feeder wires to my added layout of 40 sq ft ( total layout now 90 sq ft). I...




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