DCC Wiring

[Gary 740]

I need some help in the wiring of a simple HO DCC layout. The first problem is, how do you run more than one power feed to the tracks with one power pack? or do you need more than one pack? The second problem is I have a double oval with Kato switches and they are shorting out when I switch to the inner oval, why? I have tried to add a power block to one of the switches but this does not help. Any suggestions on solving these two problems would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary 

 

 

[Aikidomaster]

All you need is the bus wires (12-16 gauge)to the power pack. You then use feeder wires (20-22 gauge). Attach the feeder wires about every 3-6 feet (but 3 feet is best). You do not need more than one power source unless you have a very large layout. Also, you can subdivide your layout into power districts. Basically, use plastic rail joiners on both rails to isolate the districts (just like the old DC wiring). You need a power district component. I use Digitrax for DCC, so I use the PM42 for power districts. My layout will be about 20 feet by 30 feet so I will add power boosters as the layout grows. You may need to do the same. I would check for shorts in your layout with a voltage detector.

[Doc in CT]

Gary 740

The second problem is I have a double oval with Kato switches and they are shorting out when I switch to the inner oval, why?

Gary

Check out Allan Gartner's page on wiring KATO turnouts it might help.  He considers the turnouts to be DCC unfriendly; other sources say the opposite.

Alan