Electronics and DCC

Hi,

I'm starting to think about the wiring for my N scale, DCC controlled layout (with NCE PowerCab control).  I understand the basics of DCC, but I'm getting confused with things like reversing sections, crossovers, etc.  Which book would you recommend that might help me better understand these issues?

Thanks

Mudbug,

You can try this site:

http://www.wiringfordcc.com

It can be pretty heavy but it's thick with information. 

Tom

Kalmbach's DCC Made Easy, is probably one of the best for a simplified pictorial introduction to DCC.

 Joe Fugate recently gave the book a thumbs up as a good beginners guide. 

http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/12242.html

And another online guide.

http://www.awrr.com/dccintro1.html 

Mugbug,

Since you had stated before that "you had a grasp on DCC", I didn't bother with Lionel Strang's DCC Made Easy.  I wholeheartedly agree it is a good book.  However, it's geared towards those who are in the beginning throes of getting a better understanding of the topic.  I think you are looking for something more.

I've been enjoying DCC for over 3 years now but I'm now just beginning to think about how to wire my layout with a track bus for power-routing turnouts.  I'm slowly understanding things but it's taking some time.

Hang in there, Mugbug...

Tom

Mudbug1001 wrote:

Thanks, guys - I'll check out those websites and the recommended book.  In general, I have a grasp of DCC, but some times my old mind gets confused on the loops, crossovers, etc.

Mudbug,

Sorry I didn't catch the fact that you have grasped the basics of DCC.  In that case as tstage mentioned the book I linked is probably too basic for you.  Here's another link to some info.  Hope it helps.

http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/wiring/index.htm 

Thanks again guys.  I've read through the websites and looked at the books.  I've actually been to those sites several times.  They've helped me understand the reversing loop and crossover issues better, but there are still some questions in my mind.  I ended up ordering a book called "DCC Projects and Applications", thinking it may be a little past the basic concepts of DCC.

Here's my biggest question:  I basically have a dogbone layout planned, with a yard in the middle of the main part of the dogbone.  I understand about basic reversing loops and if there is one crossover.  But, what about multiple crossovers on the mainline and all the trackage in the yard?  It starts getting confusing when I start adding this stuff in. 

Hopefully, if I keep reading it will start making more sense.

Its dated but the book "Digital Command Control (DCC) By Ames, Friberg, Loizeaux", an NMRA book I think, has a lot of good info on the background and theory behind DCC. Its chapters about individual systems are very out of date. Worth reading if you can borrow or get cheap. I bought it six years ago when it was still "cool".

I am no DCC expert, but it sound like your reversing section would be one of the two sections of the dogbone where the yard connects. That way you don't have your yard constantly changing rails.

It may be helpful to ready an online manual for one of the many automatic reverse loop products. Both Tony's Train Exchange and Digitrax have manuals online for them. Others I presume, these are just the products I am familiar with. That might help you get a feel for how to proceed.

Chris 

Chris,

That's exactly the way I'm starting to think:  Put the gaps for the reversing sections on the mains right before they enter the yards.  I think if I do that, then I shouldn't have to put them anywhere else.

I was also considering making the dogbone into a double dogbone with crossing sections between each dogbone and the yard.  That just makes my head hurt thinking about the wiring

I have Mike Polsgrove's DCC Projects & Applications and Don Fiehmann's The DCC Guide. Both worth checking out.  Either will provide the info you need for reversing sections.

DCC Projects is full of novice to intermediate information and great how to's. Easy to follow  instructions, with lots of diagrams and photos.

The DCC Guide is more advanced with the techinical background on how DCC works, a very informative section on choosing the system that right for you, and indepth chapters on lighting effects, sound, and operating a layout with DCC.

Nick

Mudbug1001 wrote:

I ended up ordering a book called "DCC Projects and Applications", thinking it may be a little past the basic concepts of DCC.

Let us know how the book is, if you don't mind.

Thanks Nick,

I've ordered DCC Projects and Applications.  It looks like it could be about the level of book I'm looking for;  The DCC Guide looks a little too advanced for what I need and DCC Made Easy might be a little too basic.  We'll see.

Mudbug1001 wrote:

I was also considering making the dogbone into a double dogbone with crossing sections between each dogbone and the yard.  That just makes my head hurt thinking about the wiring

Thats gonna be some interesting work.. be sure to post your plan for wiring it so some folks with more experience, at least more then mine, can comment on your solution. Good luck!

Chris 

Thanks, Chris.

I'll post here once I figure some of this out.  If the wiring is too complicated, I'll probably simplify as much as possible.  That's one thing about this hobby - there's always something new to learn.