Length of the bus should not matter so long as you have the apropriate gauge wire. Some of my longer bus runs are 40', it just means I have to use 12g wire. Digitrax instructions say (I think, you should double check) up to 50' is OK so long as you use 12 g.
Capt. GrimekThanks for the pics, Jeff. I called Tony's Trains today and Norm told me that they've been receiving the PSXs as 4s and breaking them apart on the scored lines. So that gives me the option and I think I'll use them as individual units for redundancy as originally intended. Wouldn't the shorter wire length from individual PSX1 circuit breakers in/at each of their respective power districts be an advantage over one long(er) wire run from 3 different power districts to one PSX4?
The wire length may not make that much of a difference. How long are the bus runs we are talking about ? I centralize mine because the conrol panel tends to be in the middle of the power districts being served by the PS units. My longest runs are about 20-25 feet. Also, remember that the total length of the run also includes the PSX input side from the booster.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Capt. GrimekThanks for your quick reply, Jeff. I looked on your site's pix (nice layout!) but only saw the the Digitrax units on the backs of your panels. How long have your PSX 4s been in service? Do you simply assume that 4 power districts may one day be left unprotected while the 4 gets sent off for service? Do you own any back up units, or plan to simply order one if you ever have to send you original in for servicing, etc.? I have yet to find anyone who's had a PSX unit(s) fail or give trouble, but suppose, eventually, it's inevitable. Thanks again for the additional feedback.
Here's a couple of pictures:
The circuit breakers are just to the left of the digitrax DS64s.I just realized that you have PSX-4s and mine are PS-4s, an older model. The PSXs are newer and have not been discontinued. The PS series is no longer avilable.
I think the PSX 1 has been discontinued. I was looking for one last week on Tony's web site and others, but could find none. Even the DCC Specialties web site did not show the PSX 1 as a current item.
Why don't you telephone the vendor from whom you ordered the PSX and ask them why they sent the PSX 3 instead of three separate PSX 1's.
Capt. GrimekI just received my order PSX stuff and was accidentally shipped a PSX3 circuit breaker (3 units in one) instead of the three separate PSX1s I intended to use to optimize redundancy on the layout. If one went down, the other two power districts would stay operable/protected. (I'm guessing?) So... I did at one point consider the PSX 3 so don't fee TOO badly about using one. On the other hand, I'd like to have my order done correctly so have stubborn feelings about that :-) I'm sure I can exchange the 3 for the 1s but trying to decide if there's enough of a down side to the PSX 3 (or 4)s all being in one unit to wait longer for installing. Do the "ganged" PSX3s usually go out (if they even do) of operation with only one power district left unprotected or do they usually die or act up as a whole (all 3 circuit breakers off line). At about $90 the PSX 3 is a tad bit cheaper (but not that much) so replacement/back up unit wouldn't be disasterous I suppose. Any opinions, experiences with the multiple PSX units vs. singe units (PSX1s) for a three power district 8'X17' layout in HO would be appreciated. Jeez and I had finally made up my mind about what to use, thanks to all of your previous advice and reports! Thanks.
I have 2 - PSX4s, one in each control panel. Each booster powers one of them and they are located so that the longest bus runs are about 15 feet. I am fine with the arrangement and I am able to put panel indicators on without running long wires back for the LEDs. I mount mine on stand-offs on the back of my control panel.