DR
AF
T
2 Track Output
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The CS-105 track output can be driven from a wide range of voltages. The output voltage of the system to
the track will be the same as the input voltage. The output voltage of the system can be displayed at any
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time from a TCS throttle as described in the Configuration section of this manual.
The built-in DCC booster of the CS-105 is designed for a continuous capacity of 5 Amps. This output is also
compatible with the Märklin/Motorola protocol, and both protocols can be in use at the same time. The
CS-105 may be used to power any scale, but it is important to ensure that you are capable of powering
your layout with the system. In some cases, one or more add-on devices such as the TCS B-106 Booster
may be necessary in order to supply some extra current capacity. Modern N and HO scale locomotive
motors are typically very efficient, even under load. Below, we have included a table for some examples of
typical load values which can help you determine if the CS-105 is capable of supplying your typical
operation by itself:
Locomotive Type
Typical Current Draw
Locomotive Max Count (Typical)
Idle/Stationary
0.05A - 0.10A
50 - 100
Idle/Stationary with sound
0.15A - 0.25A
20 - 33
N scale under load
0.15A - 0.35A
14 - 33
N scale under load with sound
0.30A - 0.50A
10 - 16
HO scale under load
0.25A - 0.50A
10 - 20
HO scale under load with sound
0.35A - 0.65A
7 - 14
Note that the values in the table above are very generalized. Your results will vary for your own
locomotives. Some older HO and N scale locomotives used much less efficient motors and can
subsequently draw more current. The built in booster has the ability to measure track current, and this
feature can be used to characterize a given locomotive for its typical current draw.
The built in booster is equipped with a soft-start mechanism to automatically limit the inrush current
symptomatic of older first generation sound decoders.
Additional external boosters may be added to the system for supplemental power, always be sure to include
the booster common shown in the diagram below (green wire):
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Output and Input Voltages will vary slightly due to negligible rectification and propagation losses.
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The terms “power station” and “booster” are used to refer to the track output(s) of the system as defined in NMRA
S-9.1 and are not in reference to external, add-on boosters unless otherwise specified.
© 2022 Train Control Systems
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