For my 5'x10' HO DCC layout I've ordered the NCE Powerpro 5Amp, plus 2 OG-ARs and 2 OG-CBs for the 2 reverse loops and the other 2 subdistricts (one mainline, one yard), respectively. Plus needed power supply, an extra hookup panel, cords, an extra throttle, etc. Several questions:
a) can you confirm all I need is 16 gauge bus wiring, as runs will be fairly short in all cases, I'd say less than 15'
b) what do you suggest for connecting the booster output to the 4 OG circuit cards? Should I simply split the booster output bus 4 ways with a wire connector, or solder and tape the four pair of OG card leads to the booster output wire? Other approaches?
c) If I want to add switches to the leads to the 4 OGs, should I use DPDTs? How do you suggest mounting those (to a project board, etc)?
d) How will I know if I have a short in any section? Should I add indicator lights, etc?
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
a) can you confirm all I need is 16 gauge bus wiring, as runs will be fairly short in all cases, I'd say less than 15'.
A - YES, but AWG 14 would be better. However, if you already have AWG 16, then use it.
b) what do you suggest for connecting the booster output to the 4 OG circuit cards? Should I simply split the booster output bus 4 ways with a wire connector, or solder and tape the four pair of OG card leads to the booster output wire?
A - YES. But run the booster output to a terminal strip, then branch off each OG from the terminal strip. That way you can change any configuration easily if necessary.
A - Switches could be added to the outputs of the OG units but are not really necessary. If you wire the OG outputs to a terminal strip and then also connect the bus wires to it, then if you have a problem, you could just disconnect the bus wire from the terminal strip.
A - The OG's may already have an LED that will either illuminate or go out if the output shorts. What does the instructions say about it?
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.
Our club used plastic stand offs and screwed the OG-ar boards to the benchwork. They are tapped into the buss lines like an ordinary feeder. 16g stranded wire should be plenty for such a small layout. Why would you want to add switches to the OG- CB? If you want to shut down some of the layout while other sections are powered a simple SPST toggle in one of the lines coming out of the OG should do it. You will know if there is a short when the train stops running. I am not sure if the OG -CB and AR have spots for indicators. The AR indicator would blink when it senses the short and switch polarity.
Pete
co
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!