another DCC question

[Texas Zepher]

Yeah as the others have sort of said but not asked,  Is there a reason I am not understanding that you broke both rails instead of just one?

There would be no need to run a heavier wire to the other rail than is used on the "signaled" side.

[DigitalGriffin]

I assume you are using current based detection.  (Wire wrapped around a field magnet coil), or possibly a voltage drop (two diodes joined parallel on a board)

If this is the case, then you can use a #10 common bus for all 10 blocks.   Obviously make sure the detection circuit is on the side that is gapped.

On a side note, I would personally break that into at least two breaker regions. It is likely a 10 block main will hold more than 1 train at a time. 

At the club I'm helping rewire, we have a breaker for each block (12 per line)  The breaker can be programmed to shut off power to a block if a train runs a red light.

 

 

 

[Hamltnblue]

Also the single common doesn't have to be larger. 14 gauge wire will do for that also.

[rrinker]

 FOr detection you usually only need to gap one rail, so you cna run a single common to all one rail . The only palce you need to gap both rails are for reverse loops, divisions between sections powered with different boosters, and divisions betwene sections powered via different circuit breaker sections.

                     --Randy

 

[subman]

Will you electronic people help me with this question? I have a 1 booster HO layout with 10 detection blocks for signalling with gaps cut in both rails. Each positive rail has a #14 going back to the main wiring area where the booster, detection boards and other electronic boards are mounted. My question is can I run a #10 common bus wire to pick up all the commons of the detected blocks or do I have to run back a common for each block. I would T off the booster 25 feet each leg of the T with a 5` run to the T split.