I am constructing a DCC layout using track (Peco 100) wiring only for engine power. and mobile decoders. I will have a seperate 12vDC circuit (for various reasons) to run Tortoise switch machines and some lighting .
My question is how does one wire Peco electrofrog turnouts and wyes for this installation. I have read several versions of how to handle these turnouts. I understand the need to modify so power is not taken exclusively from the turnout points, but all the diagrams and discussion I have found (many) always muddle the water by including switch machine wiring which I will not need. I have also had several explainations but I did not major in advanced electronics and they might as well been talking in one of the foreign languages I do not understand.
I am experienced in real train operation (I fired all the way through college) but a greenhorn in toy trains
Any replys this poor old brain can understand will be greatly appreciated.
Puzzled in Nowhere Delaware.
Do they have to be Electrofrog? Peco insulfrogs are a drop in for DCC.
The electro frog turnouts need to have insulated joiners at the two rails coming from the frog.
Scroll down this link.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/switches.htm
Pete
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!
Yep Pete they have to be electrofrog unless you want to buy a couple of dozen. I am familiar with the link you gave me, which to show you what I know about the subject, it's confusing.
Jerry
The special wiring is for powering the Frog wich is not a necessity unless you intend to run very short locos like small steamers or switchers.At the club I used to belong,I (and others) have installed quite a few Electrofrog type turnouts without ever caring to power the frogs.However,you'll still need to insulate the ends of the frogs (where North and South rails meet) to avoid a short circuit.
To be honest,it does happen occasionally that a loco stopped over a turnout will not restart without a slight push but a quick cleaning of the contact area of the moving rail to the stock rail generally clears the problem.This contact,when clean,will handle the polarity of the frog and you won't notice any drop in performance of your locos.
oofdahMy question is how does one wire Peco electrofrog turnouts and wyes for this installation. I have read several versions of how to handle these turnouts. I understand the need to modify so power is not taken exclusively from the turnout points, but all the diagrams and discussion I have found (many) always muddle the water by including switch machine wiring which I will not need.
Well, my opinion is that nothing special is required. Take a look at figure 3 on the front of the instructions that came with the turnout. If you install power feeds and gaps as shown on this figure, you should be okay. None of this wiring comes from the switch machine. The only wires that go to the Tortise will be from your 12 VDC circuit and whatever devices you intend to use to reverse the Tortoise polarity so that it throws the way you want.
So far as the turnout points go, I'm looking at a code 100 Electrofrog (SL-#95) and it appears that the surface where the points contact the stock rails is more than ample to get good electrical contact to the point rails, assuming that the Tortoise is functioning properly and maintains pressure in the thrown direction. If your concern is that there might be a contact failure at the joint where the point rails swivel at the connection to the closure rails, then you can solder a flexible piece of wire across these joints as shown on the wiring for DCC link referenced above.
I'm sure other opinions will follow.
Regards
Power from the turnout points is not a problem in my opinion. You will only have one-half loco on it in most situations. The current draw should be 500ma or less.
Do you live in sothern Delaware? There is a very large HO Club in Delmar, on the state line.
http://www.delmarvamodelrailroadclub.org/index.html
Hope this helps,
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.