KD electromagnetic uncouplers and DCC?

[mikebonellisr]

Can I use my DCC buss wires to energize my uncoupler ramps,and will this have any effect on the running trains if operated while they are moving?

[cacole]

I wouldn't risk trying it. An uncoupler ramp is an electromagnet that draws quite a bit of current, and it could induce all kinds of undesirable signals into your DCC wiring. There's no telling what such a load would do to a DCC system. It would be better to run a separate circuit for the uncouplers. The DCC decoders might even interpret the stray signals generated by the uncoupler as a "full speed reverse" command or something equally undesirable. I was going to suggest that you might be able to use a stationary decoder to operate the uncoupler ramp, but that wouldn't work, either, because a stationary decoder keeps power on continuously for a stall motor switch machine such as a Tortoise, or outputs a very short burst of power to a twin coil switch machine, and neither of these outputs would be suitable for an uncoupler.

[mikebonellisr]

Haden't thought of that....Thanks
So, I should run a seprate buss around the layout[20x20,shelf type around the room]doe's it have to be another 16 or 14 gage wire buss?

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by mikebonellisr

Haden't thought of that....Thanks
So, I should run a seprate buss around the layout[20x20,shelf type around the room]doe's it have to be another 16 or 14 gage wire buss?

Yes; 12 or 14 guage.

A stationary decoder can be set up to control an electro-magnetic uncoupler ramps. Use the constant output ("Tortise type") to control a NO relay.