I am building a two level point-to point "L" shaped layout 12' x 14'. Is it ideal to put my power supply near the corner of the "L" and run bus wires in both directions, or is it okay to place it at one end of the leg and run wiring in one direction. I have not purchased my DCC power supply yet, but I'm leaning towards a Digitrax Zephyr if that makes any difference. Wiriing is admittedly one of my least favorite aspects of model railroading. Thanks.
Mike
Best practice is to keep the power bus as short as possible - which means locating the booster as close to the middle as possible. You can put it anywhere though - even if you put it on one edge that makes the longest wire run about 26 feet which should not be a problem with #12 or #14 wire for the bus.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Since the Zephyr is also your throttle, you should put it where it is convenient for operation. Randy is correct in that you shouldn't have a problem with run length (DigiTrax recommends under 10 meters or 33ft). However, you should probably run bus wires centrally along each leg of the L. Also, keep the feeder wires as short as possible.
Alan
PS A good source of information is Allan Gartner's Wiring for DCC; there is also good information on Tony's Train Exchange (link is to a basic guide book).
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
Just use a decent size bus wire (12 or 14 awg) and numerous short feeders. At 26 feet, the Zephyr can be located where convenient.
I've got a 58 foot bus run set up at the B & O Museum right now using 12awg. Could have made it shorter but didn't want the equipment sitting out in the open. Short circuit test works at all points and no reported trouble in over a week of daily operations. (except the snow closure days)
Martin Myers
Thanks a lot guys. That makes my decision easier. I'll probably place the controller near the center of the 14' leg since that's where my yard lead, engine terminal and yard ladder will be located with maual throws.