My question is this ---I'm new at the DCC system---bus wiring--one straight run from the controller? what do I do just cap the end with a wire nut? I have tried a loop and it didn't work and I do understand now how a loop would not work due to total distance away from controller---currently I have MRC prodigy advanced squard. Appreciate any help. thanks.
If you really could use bus wires as opposed to a couple of feeders, yes, two larger diameter wires should issue from the output terminals of your base unit, and normally they parallel the main line closely and near to it so that feeders are short.
The ends need only be kept apart and tucked securely with a retainer so that they don't dangle or come in contact with flesh or metals. DO NOT let the two wire ends come in contact with each other. But they don't have to be capped...just protected and separated.
Thank you very much...
Yep!! Good advice by selector.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I just connect the ends of my buss wires to my last set of feeders.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
As I have 8 power districts, I have 8 sets of buss wires. All are cut off at the ends with some electrical tape covering the inside wire. You could also just connect that last set of feeders to the end of the buss wires as previously suggested.
Ha, I asked the same question almost three years ago, so "you are in good company"!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Thanks again everyone appreciate the help.
Life is Good I have tried a loop and it didn't work
I have tried a loop and it didn't work
I'm not recommending it, but why wouldn't a loop work?
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain Life is Good: I have tried a loop and it didn't work I'm not recommending it, but why wouldn't a loop work? Rich
Life is Good: I have tried a loop and it didn't work
Technically it will work but generally isn't recommended. There are cetain scenarios on very large power districts where you might see some unusual behavior. The better option is just break the loop and place the booster in the middle and run equal distant in both directions. I perosnally like smaller power districts for future flexibility. I have 9 right now.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
The actual track is a loop, so looping shouldn't hurt anything. The questionis why would you? You could just branch out in a Y going both directions from the command station.
Springfield PA
Hi,
Here's a simple example of a DCC bus that works fine, with a little bit of explanation.
http://www.trainweb.org/silversanjuan/page13.html
I hope it helps.
Have fun,
Jim Murray The San Juan Southern RR
Hamltnblue The actual track is a loop, so looping shouldn't hurt anything. The questionis why would you? You could just branch out in a Y going both directions from the command station.
That is what I did Hamltnblue and I have no issues, I figured it would be better if the current was equalized in both directions using the Y method comming from the command station. The only way I can see an issue is if you cross up your wires somewhere. And I also use the MRC PROD. ADV. SQ. 2. With computer interface, electrofrogs, & added feeders to the frogs from the tortoise switch machines.
Truck
I'm trying to figure out where there would be a problem if the track bus was looped, and can't think of any. It doesn't matter. If your layout form doesn't allow any loop, then it's a waste to make the bus loop, but if your layout is like a big donut and you run the wire all the way around it's not going to hurt anything.
The command bus for the throttles though - that's different. Most if not all of them do not allow looping. Follow the instructions with your system, don't try to 'cheat'.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Maybe, by "loop" he means a single wire that turns back on itself...a dead short. Of course that wouldn't work and should kick a breaker.
jwmurrayjr Maybe, by "loop" he means a single wire that turns back on itself...a dead short. Of course that wouldn't work and should kick a breaker.
Or he has a reverse loop, other than that a single wire of the same polarity that turns back on it self should not cause a short.