The Digital Model Train Part 6

44 THE DIGITAL MODEL TRAIN PART 6 by T. Wigmore The sixth part in the series deals in detail with the Booster Unit. Each of these amplifiers provides enough power for the control of up to fifteen trains on a digital model track. The booster is the last unit in the series that can be used with both the Marklin and the Elektor ElectronicsDigital Train System. The units featured in forthcoming parts in the series are peculiar to the Elektor Electronics System. The power supply of a digitally controlled model railway track is fundamentally dif- ferent from that of a conventional track, in that the supply voltage is switched rapidly between +18 V and -18 V. The switching is carried out by the booster (power amplifi- er). The booster ensures that the serial con- trol commands generated by the digital control circuits contain not only the infor- mation, but also the power to start locomo- tives, turnouts (points) and signals. Since derailments, and the consequent short-circuits of the ...