Turnout DCC Bus

[claycts]

Thank folks for the info. Laying the last of the track for phase one (750 ft total)
If I got time I will run the bus for the tunouts. Going to use #12 awg.
Need to get 4 ramp meters to keep track of the panels.
Take care
George P.

[Stevert]

QUOTE: Originally posted by claycts

Has anybody set up a #14awg Bus hooked to a booster (DB150) to JUST handle turnout power plus addressing those turnouts?

I don't have the need for an additional booster for my turnouts, but I do use a dedicated PM42 section and dedicated buss for them.

Besides the power issues you're looking at, it's also a good idea from an operational aspect.

If you run a loco up to points thrown against it, you'll short the track power. If your turnouts are on that same track power, you will be unable to throw the points to the proper position without manual intervention.

But with the turnouts on a separate power district, they won't be affected by that track short.

HTH,
Steve

[bn7026]

I'd figure about 20mA per motor for Tortoises (instruction sheet shows 15-16mA at stall) x 125 = 2.5A so the current is starting to get up there. As this will be a constant load i'd run the largest wire size you can comfortably handle. I wouldn't run more that 150 tortoises of a single booster though. With CTC you probably will also be running a feedback method so you know train location / turnout direction so these elements may chew up more power.

BTW - that must be one big layout with 125 CTC switches - our local club is converting over to tortoises and will only be using about 20 of them to cover a big layout (mainline switches only.)

Regards

Tim

[claycts]

Thanks Tim, all Torotise 125 of them. It will be a 60 ft each way run from the booster to cover the turnouts. Hoy Tins of #12awg may just go ahaed and run that. I can power the machine and the TON of DS54's and DS52's.

[bn7026]

It's a good idea to run a seperate booster for the turnout decoders, so that if a loco derails and shorts out on a turnout, or alternatively comes in via the wrong direction and shorts, you can still operate the turnout.

As to wire size, you need to factor in the following:
1) Distance of run
2) Turnout motor current draw (are they solenoid type-ie atlas or motor type - ie tortoise)

Most turnouts won't have the same current draw as your locomotives and you can sometimes use a lighter wire for effective operation.

Hope this helps

Tim

[claycts]

Has anybody set up a #14awg Bus hooked to a booster (DB150) to JUST handle turnout power plus addressing those turnouts? If the booster is on the loconet it should work.
I have 125 turnouts to handle and need CTC. You can NOT see one end of the layout from the other end so computer and read out are a MUST.
We have installed now!
(1) DCS100
(3) DB150
Future is (2) more DB150, NOT counting the turnouts.
With the ability to run 12 trains and two 12 engine roundhouses that keeps 10 operators busy ao that takes up all the power so there is nothing to divert to the turnouts.
If anybody has an idea, I AM ALL EARS!!!