I would like to use two power supplies for my layout...
#1 for the "mainline" which is basically a figure 8 with a passing siding...
#2 for the industrial sidings...
I have the main and sidings all properly insulated (blocks/sections)...
My question is: can I run the (-) negitive wire from the track to both #1 & #2 power packs? I would use just a jumper from one power supply to the other...
The (-) negitive rails have NOT been insulated, thus I SHOULD have a common ground...
Otherwise I have to add ground wires to the blocks/sections...
Other ideas, suggestions???
Thanks!
No, you can't use a common ground, because both power packs will not always be set to run trains in the same direction, and if they're not it will create a dangerous short circuit.
It would be best to insulate both rails at each block separation and keep the two power packs separated as to which block each is connected; and be extremely careful about crossing from one pack to the next to insure that both are set to the correct polarity (direction switch).
You are correct...never thought of the same direction issue...
I just created a ton more work!! Have most of the track work done, would have to pull up a lot of it to make it work with totally isolated sections...
Might just stick with one power supply and park the mainline train at the station or siding while working the spurs..
Thanks for the quick reply...
Dave
this site may help -- http://www.building-your-model-railroad.com/model-railroad-wiring.html
A potential problem with this approach is that if each throttle is at full voltage (e.g. 10V) but opposite polarity (+10 and -10), two adjacent rails can be of opposite polarity and shorting the rails with a metal wheel can cause a 20V short across both throttles. Some type of protection would be wise.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Common rail wiring, two cab control w/toggle switchs:
Frank
BTW: To The Forums
Same as above, but using Atlas Selector, instead of toggle switchs:
Welcome to the forums.
An Atlas book on wiring should help you considerably, it did me. It will show you how to handle your situation and many others you may face as you grow your layout. Though it demonstrati their products, you can use other. A good reference to have on hand.
Most hobby shops I have been have a copy or can get it easily.
Good luck,
Richard
cacole No, you can't use a common ground, because both power packs will not always be set to run trains in the same direction, and if they're not it will create a dangerous short circuit...
No, you can't use a common ground, because both power packs will not always be set to run trains in the same direction, and if they're not it will create a dangerous short circuit...
Yes, he can use a common, as mentioned, this is just comoon rail wiring. When you reverse one throttle, you will have the "+" of one throttle connected to the "-" of the other throttle, but as long as the throttles are isolated(you cannot have two throttles powered from one power supply, as long as each throttle has it's own power suplpy, then they are isolated) it will not cause a short.
Thanks for all the insite...gonna have to think about this before i do anything..Thanks again!!
I have the same situation - and I totally isolated two areas, but have one more area that I could isolate if necessary - but from your reply it does not seem necessary. They are on two different power sources.