loathar wrote:I don't believe using DCC controllers for your turnouts draws any amps from your DCC system. It just receives the signal telling which switch to throw through the track leads. The DCC turnout controls I've been researching all have terminals for a separate AC power input. Like a wall wart transformer.
It depends upon the stationary controller being used. For example a Digitrax DS44 draws all power from the track but a Digitrax DS64 can either use track power or have an external power feed. I believe most have the option for external power but not all.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
tstage wrote:Even if Barry doesn't use or need an additional booster(s), would it still be wise for him to divide his layout into districts anyhow?
Even if Barry doesn't use or need an additional booster(s), would it still be wise for him to divide his layout into districts anyhow? My gut feeling says yes for short detection.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
bsteel4065 wrote:will I need a booster over this length?
bsteel4065 wrote:HiI'm building my new HO PRR / NYC layout. It's a double decker and trains will climb around the outside of the layout to reach each level. It's 13' 6" x 10' 3" and I'll be running NEC Power Pro with all sound locos. To feed DCC to the layout I'm putting in a bus that will feed the lower level, feed the rise around the perimter and finally feed the upper level itself. This will be a total length of 142' 6". In your opinion guys, will I need a booster over this length? Or am I OK?Thanks in advance!Barry
Hi
I'm building my new HO PRR / NYC layout. It's a double decker and trains will climb around the outside of the layout to reach each level. It's 13' 6" x 10' 3" and I'll be running NEC Power Pro with all sound locos. To feed DCC to the layout I'm putting in a bus that will feed the lower level, feed the rise around the perimter and finally feed the upper level itself. This will be a total length of 142' 6". In your opinion guys, will I need a booster over this length? Or am I OK?
Thanks in advance!
Barry
WRT wiring. Whatever system your using. If it's a single power district (the whole layput) Start your track bus as close to the center of your track as possible. Same with mutiple districts. With DCC you can leave the command station and branch out with a T or Y and feed track power in each direction. I recomend Digitals PSX circuit breaker, it's solid state (no mechanical relay's) plus it handles high inrush current inherent with most sound equiped loco's. NO need to connect the ends of the track bus, in other words you don't need a loop.
By feeding from the center you just doubled the wire legnth limits for any layout.
Jules
Thank you guys.
If you have the NCE 5 Amp PowerPro system it should be more than adequate to run a shelf layout without needing a booster, even if you have all 8 sound locomotives running at once.
Hi dadrat
Well, I'll be running 8+ locos with sound (what I have at the moment but this will grow). The major point I forgot (duh) to put in was that I'll be using DCC to controll all my switches. Yep, I'll add up all the mA's and see from there.
As to setting up blocks, what's to do? I assume it's a trip out for each, but any reccommendations or tips or guidelines?
Thanks