New Layout - More Questions

[Anonymous]

On my last layout, when DCC was just becoming popular, I bought one of the first MRC Command 2000"s and powered it with a MRC 30VA PowerPac, the one with the two meters! Ran like a dream!

Since that layout is long gone and I am building a new one, I want to up date everything and plan on using sound on everything.

I plan on buying the Zypher in the near future. What can I put this 30VA power pac to use for? Can I power the Zypher with it and save some money there. I know I can use it as a extra throdle off of the Zypher which I will. Can I use the AC connection for switches, lighting etc. or can you do it off the Zypher?

Last question - wiring I like to use a heavy wire for everything. What size wire should be used to connect the Zypher to the track? I also plan on running a BUS for switches and lighting. What size should that be? Its a 8 X 12 Foot layout. What size should the feeders be from the bus to the switches and lighting? keeping in mind that I like bigger wire?

I always solder my track for good connections. Do I really need to run a second drop from the Zypher to the otherside of the layout.??? I always ran the Command 2000 with one connection to the track (2 wires) and it always ran like a dream. If I did a second drop from the Zypher to the other side of the layout, How exactly would I do it?

The bench work is close to being done. Just thinking ahead.

Thanks very much for your help. I know you all have probably got these questions a million times. But its been a while since my last layout.

DON (The River Rat R&R)[:)]

[rrinker]

The Zephyr comes complete with everythign you need, including a transformer, so there's really no need to use the old one. I would use the DC power pack for a jump throttle on the Zephyr, and use the AC output for building lights or something. When used as a jump throttle, only miminal current is required, so almost the entire capacity is avaialble for other purposes.
My layout worked fine when I only hooked up one pair of wires too. But I still hooked up ALL my feeders. I would definitely run more than one set of feeders to the track. DCC works alittle differently because the full voltage is on the track at all times. While at first this might not mean anythign because you might still only run one loco, once you realize that you can run a bunch of trains at the same time all in close proximity yet under independent control, the full power on the tracks will start to make itself known by strange slow downs and such if you only have one set of feeders and/or use thin wire to power everything. Do yourself a favor and avoid future head scratchers, and put in adequate feeders. A set of feeders every 6 feet is NOT overkill. Besides - if you ever want to go back and install detection for signals, you'll need to gap the rails and have feeders to the sections anyway.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

Thanks Randy for the information.

DON