[Doug]

Hornby say on their website:

# External boosters can be supported through the XpressNet port. A standard RJ12 six-way cable can be used to connect the Select to a booster which has an RJ12 socket).

# Up to 9 "Select" units can be connected together for individual control of 9 locomotives providing power is available.

This has got me thinking. As far as I'm aware boosters are not connected together or to the command station using the XpressNet BUS, but rather a separate booster BUS. Right? What boosters connect using XpressNet?

If you can connect 9 Selects together, is there a master command station and do the others act as slaves? Or do they all work as peers? Would this not create conflicts if the various controllers tried accessing the same loco?

 

[Doug]

QUOTE (Mark Thornton @ 8 Dec 2006, 14:58) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Exactly right. A set 100 also has an 'E' connection that provides feedback of overload (short circuit) conditions, but the E connection is optional.
Yes, the 'E' is optional and shuts down the whole system if one of the remote boosters shorts. This defeats the point of having separate boosters somewhat, but it can be used in the case of a dire emergency.

Regarding the RS485 XperessNet BUS, what other DCC systems connect boosters using this method?

I was looking for the Select manual - found it here.

The manual says (page 18):

There are several "Boosters" on the market, with each one supplied complete with the relevant fitting
instructions.

Consult your Hornby DCC dealer for further details and advice.

The manual goes on to say (page 20), how to configure other units (Walkabout units) that are unpowered, but are connected using the XpressNet BUS. It seems that the powered unit does act as a master controller