Hello, I have recently begun and absolutely enjoy model rainroading... I started with the Bachmann E-Z system (and in hindsight perhaps would have thought differently), but I have finally got a layout on a 4'x8' table that works.... I use the E-Z track, and the E-Z Command Control Center that came with the DCC Commander set (my first). Here is the dilemma: the layout has 6 turnouts... However, when I try to connect the 6th turnout, the control center seems to "short circuit"... When I have only 5 turnouts connected, it works fine... I have two engines on the tracks... So I am thinking the 6th turnout requires more power than the controller can provide.... When I connect the 6th turnout and turn on the controller, the lights blink rapidly similar to when en engine rerails in a turnout.... Would anyone have any thoughts on this? Do I need a booster or new more powerful controller? Thanks for any insight you can give!
Damon
It sounds like you have a short circuit, not a lack of power. Does the insertion of this turnout create a reverse section or loop? A sketch of your track plan would make it much easier to help you.
You have a reversing section or loop if a locomotive could start from a specific place going in one direction and wind up at that same location heading in the opposite direction. If you have such a section or loop, you will either need to revise your track plan to eliminate it or power that section through an auto reverser.
Damon:
What Roger said! The turnout by itself doesn't draw any power until you put a locomotive on it.
The easiest was to see if you have a short is to draw a track plan showing both left and right rails. Then use two different coloured markers, one for each side of the track, and draw a line along your rails. If the colours stay separate you shouldn't have a short. What I think you will find is that at some point one colour will run into the other colour on the same rail. That shows you that you have a short and, as Roger said, you will have to install an automatic reversing device in an isolated section of the track. The auto reverser will flip the polarity as soon as it detects a short. You can do it manually with a DPDT switch but you have to remember to throw the switch EVERY time the locomotive goes through. Tedious, and prone to failure IMO.
You could also post a track plan and let the members here show you where the problem is.
By the way, to the forum!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Hi, Damon and welcome!
All the above advice is spot-on and all I might add to Dave's suggestion is that to help me keep "track" of which rail is which I got a package of little (1/4") colored dots from Avery. Even after a few years I still have to look for one of these dots so I can remember which is rail A or rail B. As I add ballast and scenery I peel them up.
Then follow ONE rail (as if you were "walking the rail") and stick a dot alongside the rail every foot or two. IF you have a reverse loop, which can stymie novice and expert alike, you will come to a point where your red dots are suddenly going on a rail that has, say, blue dots... you have a mobius—and a short circuit.
Then you will be looking for ways to work around this, which there are solutions, but that's for another thread!
Enjoy your new hobby! Ed
You have probably created a reverse loop. If a train can enter a section of your layout and come out going in the opposite direction on the same track, that's it.
DCC has a piece of hardware called an auto-reverser, which you can connect to your reverse loop so you don't have to bother flipping switches like we did back in the DC days. I have 2 of these, and they work great.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.