I am planning on converting from DC to DCC and have some questions. I have a bus that follows the rails for DC but only have feeders every 8 feet or so of track. How often do you need feeders for the DCC? Also, I am running approxiamtely 125' of track. What size should the bus be for that distance and will I need a booster? I am currently running 16 gauge bus and have no problems with the DC.
All responses will be appreciated.
The DINGER line Free Lance Steam to Diesel
If you were building new, I would recommend a larger wire size, but 16 will work. You can minimize the drop by putting the command station in the middle and running it both ways.
Same with the feeders. If you were building new I would recommend every 6 feet, but 8 ft will work.
The need for boosters is determined by the number of trains that will be on the layour at one time, not by the length of your track. If you use a conservative number like 1/2 amp per engine you will have plenty of power.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Agreed. 8 foot should be fine but you could solder some of the track joiners to make it better. As far as the buss gauge, the best way to test is the ole quarter test. Drop it on the track a few places to make sure the breaker in the command station trips. Don't test right at the feeders, but a spot the farthest from them.
Springfield PA