ok, probably a dumb question, but dont' want any "dumb" things to harm operation.
My layout is several Dogbone shapes with no reverse loops, 3 levels moving overtop one another.
Now question: Can I just run the bus wires under all track and attach track leads (every 6 feet) to the bus?
In the manual it mentioned something about magnetic interference with overlapping wires. All bus wires will be at least 3-5 inches away from the overlapping wires.
thanks again, just about ready to start the wiring process, track almost layed !!!
David, do you mean that I am ok at following under the track? or do I need to change the wiring do it does not over lap at all?
thanks
Following the track is fine. There are cases where interference might possibly be a problem, but I don't think you are even close to needing to worry about it.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
Not to worry. First off, plain DC doesn't radiate. DC flows down wires and doesn't jump off into space, like radio waves, and interfere with TV sets, telephones, or even HO trains on the next track.
Now DCC is a AC signal, and in principle it can radiate into space and interfere with other equipment. But think about it. You have the DCC signal in all the rail of your layout. Having the same signal in some wires run physically close to the already energized rail isn't going to make any difference at all.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
dstarr wrote: Not to worry. First off, plain DC doesn't radiate. DC flows down wires and doesn't jump off into space, like radio waves, and interfere with TV sets, telephones, or even HO trains on the next track.Now DCC is a AC signal, and in principle it can radiate into space and interfere with other equipment. But think about it. You have the DCC signal in all the rail of your layout. Having the same signal in some wires run physically close to the already energized rail isn't going to make any difference at all.
Actually, it's rising and falling magnetic flux caused by the reversing in AC. DC does it, but it rises and stays there. The magnetism can induce a flow in an adjacent circuit. Keep the wires at least 6 inches apart, or twist the buss wires of each individual around each other (use an electric drill), or if you are really paranoid, use shielded cable like you use in your audio system.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Falls Valley RR wrote:Start off with nice fat stranded 12 AWG size wire for your main bus. I use the DCS 200 and that I use for it.
I use #12 for the track busses, it's worth it.
Howevr the Super Chief DSC-100"s terminals don't like #12 wire. I also use PSX circuit breakers, they use the same basic terminals, a bit too small. I got some #14 wire to go between the command station and PSX and then spliced into the #12 after comming out of the PSX with #14 and a terminal strip. If you panel mount the PSX #14 solid house wire is a lot neater to lay out.
The reason for #12 is voltage drop. A foot or so of #14 does not result in enough voltage drop to be concerned about. This does fit better and you have no danger of wire strands that wont fit shorting out etc.
JulesB
JulesB wrote: Falls Valley RR wrote:Start off with nice fat stranded 12 AWG size wire for your main bus. I use the DCS 200 and that I use for it.I use #12 for the track busses, it's worth it.Howevr the Super Chief DSC-100"s terminals don't like #12 wire. I also use PSX circuit breakers, they use the same basic terminals, a bit too small. I got some #14 wire to go between the command station and PSX and then spliced into the #12 after comming out of the PSX with #14 and a terminal strip. If you panel mount the PSX #14 solid house wire is a lot neater to lay out.The reason for #12 is voltage drop. A foot or so of #14 does not result in enough voltage drop to be concerned about. This does fit better and you have no danger of wire strands that wont fit shorting out etc.JulesB
WhoopS!
Sorry, I clean forgot about those durn ternimals.
I also have 14 AWG at the command station; Im waiting on the hobby shop for some very large gadgets that I call racks that will assist in wiring.
I see about 6 feet between feeders on the track for best work. With my particular planning "as I go" there will be alot more feeders at the rails on the layout than just every 6 feet.
I plan cable rings that nail into the wood similar to what I did with the wife's 50 foot router cable to her computer on the other side of the house. Not too concerned with neatness rather, am more concerned with stout workmanship that ought to last a while. The conditions are rather harsh.
Thanks guys, Yup, already have the 12g layin on the floor, ready to put in. I also heard about the wire not wanting to fit into the 100, and was planning on splicing in.
Just need a day off school. I was hoping today would be the day, but nope.