I hope this is the proper place for this question: I am trying to wire a section of track that when an electrical switch is thrown one way it powers the track from transformer "A". When the switch is thrown in the opposite direction it powers the track from transformer "B" and eliminates transformer "A". I've tried this with a dpdt (center off) switch but can't seem to make it work. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Wire the track to the center posts and each of the transformers to a pair of end posts, assuming this is a standard toggle switch where the center posts are the commons.
Now, why are you doing this?
You need to electrically isolate the section of track on both ends, both rails. And, you need to be careful when crossing into the isolated section, as you will be bridging the gap and you will therefore connect the track to both the selected transformer and whatever else you're using for the rest of the layout, which could cause a short or worse.
This sort of connection is not, in general, the best solution, but I'm sure there are cases when it's OK.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thank you for your suggestions. I am aware of the isolation issues and have taken care of that. Why I'm doing it is because I have four separate loops, each controlled by a different power pack. Having finished that I realized that for a train in loop 2 to get to loop 4 I would have to use powerpack #3 which also controls all the sidings on the layout to get there.
While that works, I thought it would be easier to use the dpdt switch to determine which powerpack powered loop #3. (I may be wrong lol)
Thanks again
Here is a block wiring diagram using toggles:
Jim
Jim, nice clear picture explanation of basic DC Cab Control Block wiring.
Ron High
Thank you--I appreciate you taking the time to forward it.
Ron High Jim, nice clear picture explanation of basic DC Cab Control Block wiring. Ron High
Ron,
Thanks for the comments. I used Visio Professional to create it.
tam Thank you--I appreciate you taking the time to forward it.
Tam,
Your welcome.
TAM, sorry to be so late, my computer has been down. Now, to fix your problem: Referring to the block diagram by SOO, there appears to be several areas to be corrected, as follows-- 1. Move the short line from the Common Rail to up above the Hot Line of the siding. 2. Move the GAP between Blocks1 and 2 past the turnout into the siding and close the GAP before the siding turnout. 3. Just a suggestion: For a logical sequence and convenient progression, Renumber Block 1 as Block 2, Block 2 as Block 3, and Block as Block 1. Don't change the wiring, just the Designated Numbers. Now you can run the main with 1 & 2, and enter the siding by throwing the switch and Block 3 to the same cab. Hope this is too late to be needed, but helpful , if not. Happy MRRing...JWH
Could I suggest DCC.
hobo9941 Could I suggest DCC.
Eliminate, the power packs,remove,one wire,from the switches,either,green or blue,connect to buss,,now your'e ready for DCC...
Cheers,
Frank
RETGM--Thanks so much for the suggestions...I have solved my wiring problem and things are working fine at this point. For those who suggested I switch to DCC--sorry, I'm just not mentally ready for the digital age (I still have a land line phone! LOL)
I wasn't,suggesting,that you switch to DCC,,I explaining to the other poster,how it could be done..I am a user of DC AND WILL,never change,in my life time...