Quantum Programmer Wiring to DCC Booster

By Don Fiehmann

The QSI Programmer can be used as a link between a PC and a DCC booster to operate up to 4 engines. Boosters act as amplifiers for the DCC signal and normally have an input from the command station using telephone type of modular plug. The problem is each booster has a different input wiring.

When you use a crimper on the modular connectors be sure to use a quality metal crimper. The cheaper crimper makes cheap connections!

Digitrax Boosters
These boosters use the Loconet 6 wire cable to supply the DCC information to the booster. Only wires 1 and 6 are used for the boosters.

NCE
Information to the booster for NCE systems is sent over a smaller 4 wire connection. Note this is different than the 6 wire plug. This is the smaller connector style that is used to connect the phone handset to the base of the phone. If you use a crimper be sure that it will work with the small 4 wire connectors.

Easy DCC
Connections to the boosters are done with a six wire modular connector. The center red and green wire are used. This is equal to pins 3 and 4 on the 6 wire connector.

Diagram below shows most of the different types of ways to connect to boosters. Note that the NCE uses a 4 wire smaller connector.