Power for turnout machines on a DCC layout

[wdcrvr]

I am sure this is a simple question, but I need to ask.

On a DC layout I can run my switch machines from the acc terminals on the power pack.  So where do I source my power when I set up with DCC?  Do I need to have a DC power pack to supply the current for the switch machines?  Yes, I'm a new guy.

wdcrvr

[richg1998]

Continue to run the turnouts as you have been. Our club has DC operated slow motion machines and some twin coil machines that use AC. We left everything as is.

The turnout machines are not electrically connected to the track.

We just disconnected the DC power pack from the tracks and connected the DCC controller to the tracks.

Rich

[Texas Zepher]

wdcrvr

On a DC layout I can run my switch machines from the acc terminals on the power pack.  So where do I source my power when I set up with DCC?  Do I need to have a DC power pack to supply the current for the switch machines?

I think the short answer is yes.  You do not want to consume your DCC power for something a primitive as a turnout motor coil.    The longer answer is that I am guessing the acc terminals on the power pack are providing AC power.  Twin coil machines do not care if they are powered by DC or AC.  Just keep the old pack in place for them.  Don't change a thing.

[wdcrvr]

OK it sounds like I can use an old DC power pack to run my switch machines on my DCC layout, but is there a different or better way?  Is an old DC power pack the generally accepted method?  I feel like I am missing something here.  Also, does it matter what brand or type the switch machines are?  I might use some simple Atlas machines on top of the layout in places where the turnout will not be visible but use some other under the table mounted machines where turnouts are in view.  Is this a problem when it comes to source of power?   Also any advice on which switch machines are preferable to others would be appreciated.

wdcrvr

[retsignalmtr]

I model in N scale. I use Peco switch machines on peco switches. I have the Digitrax Super Empire Builder which is a five amp system. Since the current levels needed to run an N scale loco are low I have hooked my switches into the power supply that feeds the Empire Builder on my home layout. I also did the same thing on my clubs N layout. No problems and hasn't affected the trains while they are running. I have an HO module that has a couple of switches on it (Peco's again) and I picked up a DS64 to throw the switches. I power it from the DCC track buss and it has a capacitor discharge unit built in. It can be used with solenoid type machines (Atlas, Peco) or slow motion types like the tortoise . Again no problems and it's been used at many shows with many sound equiped loco's running. If you use a DC powerpack get a capacitor discharge unit and hook it up the the AC accessories terminals. The capacitor discharge will help to prevent the switch coils from burning out due to a stuck pushbutton

[rrinker]

 You aren't 'missing' anything. You CAN run your turnouts with DCC stationary decoders, but DCC power is relatively 'expensive' to use for accessory power. Especially if you are switchign from DC and still have your old power pack, this makes the power essentially 'free' since you don't have to buy anything extra.

 DCC control is rather awkward, as well. Pushbuttons are much easier. Unless you are going all the way to computer control and setting up a dispatcher panel. In which case maybe you would want DCC control of the turnouts. The RIGHT way to do this is to use a second booster or at least a circuit breaker to isolate the main track from the accessory decoders - that way a derailment or short won't prevent you from operating the turnouts.

 You cna always add the DCC control later - use the buttons and your old power pack for now, and if you later decide to add more stuff, get the stationary decodes and add them.

                               --Randy

 

[Texas Zepher]

wdcrvr

OK it sounds like I can use an old DC power pack to run my switch machines on my DCC layout, but is there a different or better way?

There is always a different way.  One can go to a thrift store and get a wall wart type of power supply.  One can use an old computer power supply for a regulated 12v or 5v.   As Randy says you can use stationary decoders off the DCC.

Is an old DC power pack the generally accepted method?

Certainly the cheapest if you already have one.

Also, does it matter what brand or type the switch machines are?  I might use some simple Atlas machines on top of the layout in places where the turnout will not be visible but use some other under the table mounted machines where turnouts are in view.  Is this a problem when it comes to source of power?   Also any advice on which switch machines are preferable to others would be appreciated.

I think the short answer here is, yes it matters.  There are so many different types of switch machines out there, one might get into a situation where one set requires DC while the others like the twin coil ones don't care.    Using a single AC source would work of course if you tricked the ones that wanted DC to use the AC by slipping in diodes in the correct places.   But there would also be the different types of controls needed by the different types of turnout motors.....

On all of the layouts I operate on, I think only one still uses twin-coil machines.   Most everyone I know has converted to the slow motion stall motors.   Our club switched from RIX coils  to GSB screws and now are converting the Tortoise brand stall motors.

The first stall motors I used way back in 1985 or so were "Switch Masters".  So easy to install and "adjust".  The Tortoise are nice because they have built in contacts, but with four mounting screws I find them a bit harder to adjust.  In addition, I always replace the actuating wire that comes with them with heavier piano wire.   There are also Blue Point and Switch Tender brands stall motors.  They all run on DC power.