Wiring basics from the Very Beginning

[CBoots1]

Help!  I've been in the planning stages about a year with layout design and general research. I'm ready to move forward and start building. Im trying to find a few good resources for learning wiring from the start. I have The DCC Guide from MR, but I need more information about how this all starts in the beginning say, after the track is down where and why do do go from there. I've searched YouTube and not had much luck. Does anyone have any suggestions on books, videos or online resources? Im located in central Indiana if there is anyone close that would be great too.

 

[zstripe]

CBoots1,

To The Forums:

Video: Video Series: Build your first Train Layout:

DCC& Electrical:

http://mrr.trains.com/dcc-electrical

That should get you going. Feel free to ask questions on the Forum. many knowledgeable people here to help. You will probably have all your posts Moderated, for a short time, so there will be a slight delay in your posts. Sometimes at least the first five. ''Have Fun''

Frank

[gregc]

CBoots1

I'm ready to move forward and start building. Im trying to find a few good resources for learning wiring from the start. I have The DCC Guide from MR, but I need more information about how this all starts in the beginning say, after the track is down where and why do do go from there.

Since DCC track wiring doesn't involve blocks and is generally simpler than DC, wiring your layout is probably simpler than you think.   Hopefully you can recognize where the pitfalls are.   In general,  make sure the inside rails of the track are not connected to the outside rails.

the Shorting Insulfrog? thread explained a problem with a pair of power routing turnouts connected to the same siding.   I don't believe this is unique to DCC, but just another thing to understand

Probably the most confusing wiring issue are reverse loops.   The NMRA Wiring Basics web page covers this and more.

 

[peahrens]

I got going with the background of the DCC Guide (a good book), plus info from the forum and some websites on DCC (such as turnout wiring) including Tonys Train Exchange, Wiring for DCC, etc. 

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/

http://www.tonystrains.com/

With enough background, plus a layout design, I knew (confirmed by talking with Tony) I wanted a DCC system plus 3 "subdistrict" boards for the 2 return loops and the main.  So I ordered the hardware plus my first engine (a DCC GP9).  I built a 5' shelf with backboard for the hardware (power supply, DCC brainbox, circuit boards, etc).  I wired this on the workbench and ran test leads to a 3' length of test track.  Used the NCE (in my case) and figured out, using their simple startup instructions, how to test the engine and system/boards, change the engine address and that's all.  Then, knowing things worked, I moved the board to its place between two layout legs and started running buss and feeder wires. 

P.S. - Just noticed this is your first post, so welcome.  I got back on to suggest, if you're not aware, that I've found quite helpful.  First is the search function on the right.  Second is to suggest that when you find a thread of interest that you don't happen to participate (say, an old one) to mark it as a "favorite" with a button that's at the top left of the thread above the title.  That way, you can mark threads that are of current or future interest and easily find them again to review them when needed.  You can access your "favorites" threads on the right side.  For threads where you participate, the "your discussions" logo on the right column will take you there. So, you can accumulate access to helpful threads for your current and upcoming areas of interest. 

On turnouts, I similarly made a trial install on the workbench, mounting some cork, a turnout and some 1' track extensions (to practice soldering joints) on a piece of plywood.  Mounted a Tortoise under the turnout, wired a DPDT switch (and optional LED indicator) to a power supply and the Tortoise and found out how to make it work before adding any track to the layout.    

I found it to be stepwise learning / doing experience, and definitely suggest the workbench setup first as it's simple, more comfortable than working on the layout and you can put together a module for the electronics that you can just attach to the layout.

You can get lots of specific advice here, too.  What size buss and feeder wires (and where to get it), how to connect wires (solder versus connectors), what specific DPDT switches for turnouts, which DCC system people prefer, which circuit breaker / reverser circuit boards, etc.  Lots of good old threads on such if the serach feature (or Google search) gets you to them, or just ask!

On electronic parts, these two sites served many of my needs (DPDTs, LEDs, terminal strips, suitcase connectors (not all like them), and some types of wire.  Their inventories are extensive, so ask us for details as needed.

http://www.mouser.com/?gclid=CKKZl-7H0bsCFSRk7AodIEAAYQ

http://www.allelectronics.com/