DCC---Which switch is the best to go with, Insulfrog?? Electrofrog??

[bboots]

Am getting into HO again. All new purchase items. Going with DCC through out. Switches most compatible with DCC. Don't understand the difference in the two type of frogs on the market.

Considering Peco's new product line of Code 83.

Help!!!

[cuyama]

One of the best explanations of the topic (along with great overall information on DCC issues) is Alan Gartner's "Wiring for DCC" website:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

Turnout specifics, including the discussion of "live" vs. "insulated" frogs are found at:
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm

Good luck and have fun.

[mike33469]

I'm just finishing up laying track on my new layout , all turnouts are Peco insulgrog. They are great! No special wiring, just gap one inside rail and give the turnout its own power feed and its a thing of beauty. I couldn't be happier.

[Anonymous]

I have used Peco Insulfrogs no special wiring, nogaps, everything is fine,

[mcouvillion]

Hi bboots,

I prefer the Electrofrog because I do not want a dead spot in the turnout. I have a few tiny engines that will not make it through a turnout that has an unpowered frog. Most of the guys saying they have had good luck with Insulfrog turnouts have F or E units or larger steam or diesels. With a bunch of power-pickup wheels, there is not a problem. But, with only 4 wheels on a small footprint, and running slow, it will quit right in the middle of the turnout. Wiring the frog to power is not hard. I have used Tortoise machines with their integral switches to throw the frog power. I have used the Caboose Industries hand-operated ground throws with the built-in SPDT switch. Both work fine. Once done correctly, you NEVER have to worry about it again.

Mark C.

[Dagny818]

Mark (above) is right. If you dont have his situation use insulfrogs. I just installed a hundred of them. I use Tortoise machines with a larger wire for the turnout actuator.

Joe

[challenger3802]

All my turnouts are insulfrog (Peco's), even the smallest of my locos - an 0-4-0 - negotiates the frogs on the slowest speed setting and never stalls.

Ian