Engineer Jeff,
Thank you! I had not laid out the physical positioning of the components yet, but was thinking last evening that I really need to be able to see the LEDs. Your idea of extending them is a big help.
I understand setting the timeout to .5 seconds (not sure what its on now), and will compare that to what's in place.
I am aware of the polarity issue - and frankly that's probably the easiest thing for me to do correctly. Funny thing, I have wired houses and worked with electricity since I stuck my finger in the light socket at age 10 or so (to see how it felt), but electronics is a big challenge. That kept me out of DCC until last January as I was gunshy of all that wizardry stuff. Frankly, I slowly came to realize that if you take DCC one step at a time (and read a lot and ask questions), you can absorb and really enjoy it!
Thanks again,
Mobilman44
ENJOY !
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
mobilman44 Hi! After a two month "working on the layout" hiatus (due to the Holidays, Ebay Sales, loss of a loved one, and general laziness), I've gotten back in the grove and have made progress. Today I finished wiring in the second (of two) main lines, and shortly I'll install the final version of the DCC control system. My testing to date has utilized a Digitrax Super Chief. The finished system has the Super Chief, two DT400s, a second booster, and two PSX-4 circuit breakers, and two 5 amp power supplies. Each booster will hook directly into a PSX and control 4 power blocks. I've got a 30x30 inch sliding shelf under the layout for the installation, with plenty of air circulation. I do not anticipate problems with the set-up and wiring - but of course the odds of that happening are slim. Many of you out there have "been there - done that" and I would appreciate your comments and advice. Thank you! Mobilman44
Hi!
After a two month "working on the layout" hiatus (due to the Holidays, Ebay Sales, loss of a loved one, and general laziness), I've gotten back in the grove and have made progress. Today I finished wiring in the second (of two) main lines, and shortly I'll install the final version of the DCC control system.
My testing to date has utilized a Digitrax Super Chief. The finished system has the Super Chief, two DT400s, a second booster, and two PSX-4 circuit breakers, and two 5 amp power supplies. Each booster will hook directly into a PSX and control 4 power blocks.
I've got a 30x30 inch sliding shelf under the layout for the installation, with plenty of air circulation. I do not anticipate problems with the set-up and wiring - but of course the odds of that happening are slim.
Many of you out there have "been there - done that" and I would appreciate your comments and advice.
Thank you!
It sounds good. I have a similar arrangement except with 3 boosters. I'd make sure you extend LEDs from the PSX breakers to a control panel so you can see them trip. Also set the short circuit timeout on your boosters to .5 seconds (OpSw18). Lastly, keep a close eye on your polarity, especially when connecting two power districts across boosters. It is very easy to get a polarity reversal and you'll get strange results, often with a PSX tripping out. Good luck..
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/