Block wiring vs DCC

[ChefBob]

Hi, this is my first post. 

I am going to build a layout based on an Atlas track plan. The book shows how to wire the blocks to each controller. I downloaded their "Basic DCC Wiring for Atlas Layout N-12". It shows the DCC system wired to the Atlas 205 connectors and the Atlas 210 twin for the reversing section. I was wondering if this was necessary for DCC operation. Or is it recommended so you can still control non-DCC equipment (if you can use it on a track controlled by DCC)?

Thanks 

[retsignalmtr]

The purpose of .the controllers is so you can use another power pack to control another train on DC layouts. When switching to DCC all you have to do is leave all the slide switches in the ON position. Some DCC systems allow you to run a non decoder loco on DCC by using the address of 0 but you should not leave a DC loco idle on DCC powered track with the DCC power ON so the controllers can be used to turn off the DCC to those tracks. I don't think the reversing controller will work with DCC. If you use a DCC auto reversing module it may not work with DC.

[twcenterprises]

That's the beauty of DCC, it eliminates all the complex wiring.  In theory, run two wires from the DCC system to your track, and you're DONE.  You'll still have to isolate (electrically) any reversing sections, most of us here would highly recommend an auto-reverse for your DCC system.  At that point, you're up to four wires from the layout to the DCC system.  No need for switches, controllers and all that.  It's one reason DCC becomes very cost effective on larger layouts, as it reduces so much complex wiring.

Now, since I have an abundance of leftover DPDT toggle switches, I do plan to use them for my staging yard and other tracks, mostly simply as an on-off arrangement.

Brad

[rrinker]

 I think the purpose of the Atlas diagram is to show you how to easily switch to DCC if you already built the layout and had it wired for DC as per the original plan books.

 Outside of hidden staging and MAYBE a large engine facility, there's little reason to cut the power to sidings with DCC. And reverse loops no longer need the switch flipping of the Controller, you can use an automatic reversing device so all you have to remember is to throw the switch the right way so the train doesn't derail.The autoreverser will take care of flipping the polarity for you. Both rails still need to be gapped for a reverse loop or wye, a short in DC is a short in DCC. The big difference is that the autoreverse flips the polarity of the loop tracks, in DC the polarity of the main gets flipped. DCC can flip the polarity under a moving loco and it will keep going the same way, it's the signal that tells the loco which way to go, not the polarity on the rails.

                   --Randy

 

[ChefBob]

Thanks....... appreciate the information