Set with power pack 120-240V, EURO + US, manual German / English. Indispensable components of any large model railroad are amplifiers (here called “”Booster””): if the power consumption of all your running trains including their functions, wagon lights and function models exceeds the power that the central station can supply , you have to divide your track into several blocks, whose power is supplied by their own booster. The ECoSBoost(er) is designed exactly for that task: it is perfectly tailored for use with our ESU ECoS or the Märklin® central station.
Procedure:
The ECoSBoost is connected directly to the ECoSlink connection, from where it receives its control signals. Basically, it is capable of amplifying and delivering to the track these data formats: DCC, Motorola, Selectrix® and mfx®. Which data format will be output in a given case, of course, depends entirely on the central unit being used and its capabilities: therefore, the booster, connected to an ESU ECoS, can process DCC and Selectrix®, while, if connected to a Märklin® central unit, it amplifies and delivers Motorola® and mfx® data signals, respectively. Thanks to Plug&Play, all ECoSBoost(ers) are automatically included in a list of external ECoSlink components and can be centrally controlled and configured on the ECoS display. For the ECoSBoost to work properly with these control units, the correct firmware status is essential: If the interior software is too old, the booster may not be recognized. Check the system requirements.
Functions:
ECoSBoost amplifies data signals generated by the digital central unit and delivers them to the appropriate track connection. ECoSBoost power comes from an included power supply, with a stabilized DC output. Each ECoSBoost is conveniently controlled and configured directly by the ECoS: for each booster you can individually determine the maximum permitted output current. In addition, the display can be set to show you the current power consumption of each booster, so you know how many reserves you have left. Extremely sensible is the ability to tell each booster individually whether or not the section should be turned off in case of a short circuit in the layout. For example, if you have your turnout (switch) decoders connected to a separate ECoSBoost, you can still reliably control your turnouts in the event of a track short.
Feedback:
An ECoSBoost can do more than amplify and deliver track power: each one has a feedback function (Global Detector) for NMRA bidirectional communication built in as standard. Using this, well-equipped locomotives can send information back to the ECoS once the relevant DCC standard has been adopted. This is enormously useful when finding the locomotive’s position on the layout or reading engine data. ECoSBoost reads the data and sends it via the ECoSlink high-speed bus to ECoS for further processing.
Protection:
Every ECoSBoost meets the relevant requirements for safety and operation on a layout: The track output is protected against both overloading and short circuits. Of course, ECoSBoost can distinguish between a real short circuit and a momentary current flow when passing switches or holes. We value the indestructibility of the device, as with our mobile decoders.
Future built in:
The operational software of each, in an ECoSBoost integrated microcontroller, can of course be updated and supplemented with additional functions if necessary: The required upgrade is performed automatically by the ECoS central station if necessary. No action on your part is required! Thus, your ECoSBoost is literally always up-to-date!
