our club layout is 42 feet by 44 feet.  our legacy antenna is almost centered (yes we added the  9db and a extension) we have no signal issues and when we do we add a ground plane that takes care of that signal issue.

if you are having signal issues I would look elsewhere.

I'm having a hard time with a scenario that would require a booster for the 2.4ghz signal to the CAB2.  Although I see WiFi boosters for sale, there are limits to the maximum power to the antenna.

FCC Rules for Unlicensed Wireless Equipment operating in the ISM bands

Thank you both for your input.  The signal from the base to the trains is excellent throughout the layout.  My issue is strictly complete loss of signal at times as close as a foot away from the antenna.  Usually signal returns within 10 to 15 seconds or I can shut the base off for a few seconds and the signal is back when I turn it back on.  Is this a case of outside interference that has nothing to do with antenna power?  I've changed bases and Cab2s,  it doesn't matter.  My Cab1 works great however. 

You don't need a booster, you need to find what's stepping on the signal.  Have you tried changing channels?  I've found in several locations that the higher channels seem to have less issues, the default channel 1 usually is the worst.

So right GNJ.  I'm on channel 8 today.  Every few months or so I change channels.  Maybe it's me but it seems that at certain times of the year some channels perform differently.  Thanks for your opinion on the booster.  I'll have to start zeroing in on what's interrupting the signal.  Like everyone else our house is loaded with electronics.  Thanks  RICH

If you are very aggressive attaching the antenna to the base, I believe some have broken the connection inside of the base where it is soldered.

Most household devices , like phones and such will be on low to mid channels.

I set my internet Wi-Fi on 11.

I use channel 9 for the Legacy.

Also, if you are using different batteries than the originals, be sure you have ones with a mah rating of close to 2500 mah to help the radio have enough oomphf.

My WiFi is on chanels 1, 6, and 11 here, also 5.8ghz.  I also use channel 9 on the Legacy, and I can control trains 40-50 feet away a couple of rooms from the base.

Rich,

   Guns is correct, if you are set up correctly you do not need an extra antenna to receive a decent Legacy Signal.  Run the Legacy signal on both outside rails, this works especially well when running both Legacy and DCS.  If you set your blocks up correctly and use the 12 track join discipline when building, you should have no problem with your Legacy and DCS Signal.  

PCRR/Dave

Thanks for the comments.  I'll let the wife check the WiFi channels, she's the expert,  while I surf Cab2 channels a bit more.  One last question.  It seems there was talk of trying to add an external antenna to the remote itself a while back.  Has anyone tried it with any success?  Sorry if I'm making this sound like it happens every five minutes.  More like 3 or 4 times a week, just enough to make sure you've got your Cab1 handy.  Thanks again  RICH

I really don't see the utility of adding an antenna to the remote, and I personally would never consider it.  Not only do you void the warranty, which has been pretty unlimited so far with the Legacy system, but I doubt you'd accomplish much.  The external antenna would also be cumbersome, think of the CAB1 and it's antenna.  IMO, the ROI just isn't there for that change.  You can change the base antenna if you have issues, that doesn't require any internal modifications of the command base.

As always John, thank you for sharing your knowledge and opinions.  You've certainly gotten me back on track many times.  Much appreciated.  RICH