I am wiring my layout which is currently DC, but I will 99% likely move to DCC. I am NOT using blocks, but am putting feeder wires to each section. Which do you recommend:
1. Run the two wires from each section all the way back to the control board and connect there.
2. Connect each to terminal blocks in parallel, running one set of wires back to the control panel.
Is there a benefit to running each set of wires all the way back - ie: more consistent power??
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So option #2 really - 1 set of wires that runs under the layout with feeders up to each section, but not required or any benefit to running each set all the way back to the controller. That would certainly be much easier.
I agree with David. I am working on a small (3' X 6') N Scale layout with the idea of only running one train at a time on DC. When I started to wire it, I had the forethought to wire it for possible DCC operation down the road. I simply ran the #14 gauge buss wires the length of the layout and dropped #22 gauge feeders down as per DCC recommendations. I ran #18 gauge feeders for the small 2 track yard through a couple of on/off switches so that I could have two trains on the layout at a time but just isolate one track at a time. I power one yard track and run that train around for a few switching moves and then run it back to the yard and turn off the power to its' track and switch the power on to the the other track and then run that train around for a few more moves.
I just ordered an NCE 2 Amp Power Cab DCC starter as I feel that is all that is required for this size layout. All that I will have to do to hook it up is disconnect the DC Track leads from the DC powerpack and connect them to the DCC controller. The 2 switches for the yard can now be left on or I can park 2 engines there and turn off the power to them and run another train around the layout. It only took me a little extra time, $7.00 for the buss wire and a little effort to pre-wire for DCC but when the Pro Cab arrives, it will take about 1 minute to switch the two wires from the DC to the DCC and flip on the 2 yard switches.
Do yourself a favour and think ahead. I did not have any thoughts of going to DCC but I thought that for the little bit of time, effort and a few $$$ for the buss wire I thought, "What the Hey, I might win the lottery next week". As it turns out, I didn't win the lottery, but I was offered a great deal on this DCC set that I couldn't turn down.
Blue Flamer.
You can run 2 wires from your transformer and use either these products. You put the wire bus and run feeders off of it. http://www.posi-lock.com/posiplug.html.
Or try 3m brand called scotchlok insulation displacement connectors. Try an internet search for electrical wholesalers online that have them and or buy them at your local electrial supply warehouse. You still need to connect wires to the tracks but these connectors keep bus and feeder wiring neat and easier to trouble shoot.
Thanks guys - appreciate it. I'm pretty sure I'm going DCC, just got to save a few more bucks :)
In the meantime I am able to run on DC with my yard section separate from the mainline so I can run a train on the mainline and switch stuff in the yard - I have a dual DC controller.
I had started running wires all the way back as I was going to do blocks, but now I'm going to go with the one set with feeders and the move to DCC will probably be sooner rather than later.
Aralai In the meantime I am able to run on DC with my yard section separate from the mainline so I can run a train on the mainline and switch stuff in the yard - I have a dual DC controller.
Run feeders to every rail or every 4-6 feet minimum, not just to a "section" of the railroad. On the flex track portions of my layout I used one pair of feeders per piece of flex track.
If you have one bus then you can control one train with DC. If you want to separate the yard and the main line then you will need a separate bus for the yard and a separate one for the main line. If you want a train to be able to operate from the main into the yard and be able to operate a switcher in the yard independent of the main, then you will have to install some throttle selector switches on the control panel and NOT connect those tracks to either bus. Any track you want either the switcher or the main line throttle to control will have to have the feeders to that track or tracks go to a switch on the control panel which will allow you to select which throttle controls the track. If you ONLY want the yard engine to operate in the yard and NEVER want the road engines to run independently in or out of the yard or NEVER want the switcher to run independent ly on the main, then selector switches can be eliminated.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com