LGB power booster layout design

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pmindigo

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I’m using the CS3+ with the 60195 switched power pack and added an additional 60175 Booster with a 2nd 60195 switched power pack. My question is do I need to isolate sections of my layout for the power from the CS3+ and the 60175 Booster?
I have seen the examples in the LGB manual, but when the engines cross the isolated sections, the two power supplies are connected for a brief period. Same for all of the passenger cars with lighting. Basic power theory states you can connect two similar power supplies in parallel to double the amperage while maintaining the same voltage. So my question is will the LGB CS3+ and the 60175 Booster power outputs work in parallel delivering 10amps from the two 60195 switched power packs without any issues?
Thanks
 
PhilP said:
This thread may help?

andyspencer

Thread 'Marklin CS3 to Booster - Anyone done it yet?'

Hi all,

Just wondering if anybody has connected a CS3 up to a booster and used it on a layout that needs more than 5amps? We're still waiting on Massoth to reply to out technical query...

PhilP
Click to expand...
This thread does not address the design option of not isolating track sections and connecting to 5amp booster outputs to the same layout. Connect them on opposite ends of the layout and let the track resistance provide the isolation buffer.
 
My understanding of using a booster is not to provide a greater total capacity to the system, but by splitting the layout into power districts.
I can see there may be a problem if you have a large station complex and many loco's in the same section, but do you really want a system which will happily pump 10+Amps through a loco with a minor fault, before even considering shutting off the power?

Granted, the result will make finding the fault visually easier.

PhilP
 
pmindigo said:
This thread does not address the design option of not isolating track sections and connecting to 5amp booster outputs to the same layout. Connect them on opposite ends of the layout and let the track resistance provide the isolation buffer.
Click to expand...

PhilP said:
My understanding of using a booster is not to provide a greater total capacity to the system, but by splitting the layout into power districts.
I can see there may be a problem if you have a large station complex and many loco's in the same section, but do you really want a system which will happily pump 10+Amps through a loco with a minor fault, before even considering shutting off the power?

Granted, the result will make finding the fault visually easier.

PhilP
Click to expand...
All LGB technology. Never had an engine explode…I need a technical answer from Marklin on how the boosters will manage this configuration. They obviously handle shorts when engines cross the gaps.
 
A short is left-rail to right rail, not left-rail to another left-rail..

But you are right, the present level of information from Marklin is inadequate.

PhilP
 
pmindigo said:
My question is do I need to isolate sections of my layout for the power from the CS3+ and the 60175 Booster?
Click to expand...

One of the main reason for using boosters is to divide the layout into sections so that ab problem in one electrical section does not impact the other electrical section(s). In DCC terms they are referred to as "Power Districts" and there is quite a lot of information around on the hows and whys using them around, which can be found via Google (etc) searches.

pmindigo said:
So my question is will the LGB CS3+ and the 60175 Booster power outputs work in parallel delivering 10amps from the two 60195 switched power packs without any issues?
Click to expand...

Basically yes to operating in parallel for the short time that section breaks are bridged by a wheelset (or other wiring internal to the vehicle) but each will only supply 5 Amps of current so while you may have brief moments of a potential 10 Amp capacity, that is not likely to be of any practical consequence (as long as the polarity of the electrical circuits on each side of the section break match).
 
Have to say that I thought the issues of boosters was well understood with true ‘power districts’ being used since quite early LGB MTS days and also in the smaller scales. So long as the isolation is carried out on both lines with same side wires feeding same side from controller and booster all should be well. But I having never needed to install one am unaware of any additional setup required, certainly there did not appear to be any in the LGB MTS booster I once had but never used ultimately selling it via Glendale Jcn.
 
Lots of power to the track can be a problem with some systems. I have the Zimo MX10 12/8 amp system which can be 20 amp total when both outputs are tied together but with a very low resistance resistor. Never had an issue with shorts as this system sees a current spike and shuts off the offending output. Nice feature is the handheld controllers can reset the fault. Of course you get what you pay for as this system is expensive. Note you can also control the voltage output between 12 to 24 volts and also max current output.
 
I use the Mxion system and have a central station + booster. In this, they state they must be isolated from each other (both rails having isolator connections) but they'll handle the momentary situations as trains run from one district to another. I've been using my this way since the start of the year without issues.

Given this is the recommended approach, for the sake of a couple of isolators, I don't understand a reason not to do it this way (Unless there is some context I am missing?).
 
curtis said:
I use the Mxion system and have a central station + booster. In this, they state they must be isolated from each other (both rails having isolator connections) but they'll handle the momentary situations as trains run from one district to another. I've been using my this way since the start of the year without issues.

Given this is the recommended approach, for the sake of a couple of isolators, I don't understand a reason not to do it this way (Unless there is some context I am missing?).
Click to expand...
You are perfectly correct curtis, isolations between each power district so the the two do nit interact except when a train passes the isolation gap. 4 isolators if the line forms a circle.
 
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