Hi Rachel and all -- One should not leave out the Digitrax Super Zephyr as a possible DCC starting point. The unique thing about that system is that you can use regular DC power supplies (with throttle control) as additional DCC throttles. So if you have two ancient MRC Throttle Packs, they can become DCC throttles – you just have to connect them to the Zephyr. One caveat: the external throttles, even though they have their own power, are only used as controllers – their power does not supplement the Zephyr’s 3 amp capacity. You can use tethered DCC throttles with the Zephyr as well, but obviously, using an MRC pack as a throttle means that it will be in a fixed location, just as it was in the days before walk-around controls. Another point to consider is that 3 amps will run 6 modern single motored loco units under normal loads. If you have incandescent lighted equipment, that can eat up a LOT of power, so a string of lit passenger cars can quite easily use more power than the locos pulling them.
The direct answer to this email is: Yes. You just have to have enough power to run the number of motors in the group of locos (roughly .5 amps per motor is a good, rough way to make this calculation. Most motors will use less than that these days, but 1/2 amp is easy to work with...). Have fun! Bill Winans (former NCE and Digitrax dealer) --------------------------------- Thanks Bill and Rich. Question C in actually a DC question, basically can I slap a DC A-B-A with both A's powered on the track and run them from the same transformer? Rachel Covington
