Q: I recently split my layout in half, with a DB150 acting as a booster powering one side and a DCS100 powering the other. I'm trying to reconnect the bus feeders to the rails, which all worked properly before the split. Now when I reconnect the feeders there is no short indication, BUT when a loco goes over the insulated gap between the two sections, a short occurs.
A: This is a common issue when the first booster is added to a DCS100/DCS200 command station.
MOST DCS100/DCS200 command stations come from the factory set with Rail A & Rail B connections that are the opposite phase from the DB100 and DB150 boosters.
This means that Rail A on a DCS100/DCS200 is the same phase as Rail B on a DB100 or DB150. A short occurs when a locomotive passes from one phase to the other. The easiest solution is to reverse the Rail A and Rail B wires connected to the DB150; you can also set the Booster to auto-reverse to reverse it's phase.
To set up DB150 for autoreversing:
1. Start with an un-powered DB150.
2. Connect the DB150‘s CONFIG A, CONFIG B & GROUND terminals with two short lengths of wire.
3. Set the DB150’s MODE switch to RUN.
4. Power up the DB150. The DB150 will automatically convert to automatic reversing booster operation when you power it up.
5. Connect to other DB150s on LocoNet via either LocoNet Jack A or B using LocoNet cables that have been tested with an LT1.