I am getting ready to install 25 peco pl10E switch motors and plan on using, or creating the peco wiring loom; my question is what type of power supply do I need (I have seen the diagram with the 16v AC source, how many amps is that, where do I get a power supply like that)? From the power supply the diagram goes to a CDU which is "optional" is that needed and again where do I find one and what are the specifics of what i need there? My final question is where to split the wiring to do 25 seperate motors/switches; I ASSUME that i make the splice with a terminal block as soon as the supply comes out of the CDU??? In other words, one wire in the top end of terminal (A) and 25 out going to the individual motor(s) on one side of the CDU and one wire in the top of terminal (B) and 25 going out the the individual switches on the other side of the CDU, is that correct? Diagrams would be nice as well as pictures and please keep it simple as I am very simple myself!
Peco considers a CDU (Capacitive Discharge Unit) optional, but I consider it essential, particularly for Peco machines. These take a lot more power to kick over than other twin-coil machines, and at the end of a long wiring run, there is a significant voltage drop. The CDU stores power when idle, and then releases it in a burst to solidly drive the machines. Then, it limits the power, which will save your machines in the event that a toggle sticks in the on position. You can buy a CD circuit from several manufacturers (Snapper by Circuitron is one) or you can make your own. The basic circuit is 2 resistors and 2 capacitors plus a DC power supply, or you can use an AC supply and add a bridge rectifier.
Power supplies can be found at real electronics places (not Radio $hack) and can be ordered online from places like www.allelectronics.com.
To wire a Peco machine, solder together the 2 wires on one long side. These will be the "common" leads. Connect these to one side of the CDU output. The other side of the CDU output goes to the center pin of your toggle switch. The two outer pins go to the other two wires (separately) on the Peco machine. For wire, I like to use 4-conductor telephone wire available at Home Depot.
If you've never done this before, I would suggest doing a "test wiring" on your bench, where you can see everything easily. You can then see how the parts go together, and test your work before climbing under your layout.
You will want to attach the machine to the turnout on the bench, too. Before you wire it, make sure the hole beneath the turnout is big enough to allow the mechanism to move smoothly. When I attach the machines to the turnout, I put a piece of cardboard between the machine and the turnout, painted the color of my ballast. The cardboard needs to be cut so the mounting pins and throw rod go through it. This cardboard both hides the opening and keeps ballast from getting into the machine.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The recommended Capacitor Discharge unit has four wires to connect. The Two input wires go to the AC accessory output of your powerpack and the Two output wires (which will be DC) go to a terminal strip. One wire + is tben connected to the switches or pushbuttons that will throw the switch machine. The second output wire will be the common return from the SW machines back to the CDU. Use Red, Green and Black wires. If you use Four wire round telephone cable, the Yellow wire will be a spare. The Black wire will be the - common wire from both coils on one side of the machine. the Red will be connected to the coil that throws the machine reverse and the Green wire goes to the coil that throws it back normal. I use Red and Black Pushbuttons on a control panel. The Green wire goes to the Black button and the Red wire goes to the Red button.