Electronics and DCC

Now that I've broken my PSX3 into three PSX1s, is there an advantage to mounting them near the cut track gaps in each power district or in the middle of each power district as opposed to mounting them all next to each other next to the booster? (DS100) Super Chief? The layout is 8'X11' using a 14 gauge stranded wire power bus. I realize that the AR should be installed right at my wye. Jeff is running his between 15-25 ft. Anyone found problems with long runs? Jeff mentioned not having to have long runs back to panel leds was a benefit of the long-ish run which appeals until I decide if I'm going to have a panel and can see the leds on the boards themselvea(?). Are there any down sides to mounting them all near the single booster, centrally located electrically on my power buss? Just a final check with the gang before I proceed late morning, today. (Thanks again, Jeff). Thanks.

 Look at your bus wire run from the booster to the reverse section. Now cut it and install a PSX somewhere between the booster and the reverse section. Doesn't really matter where you cut it. Go with what will be the most convenient for you. Just don't run light gauge feeders 30 feet from the psx to the track, Stick with 14 ga until you get close.

Martin Myers

 Just make sure that if you have more than one feeder to the reverse loop, ALL of them connect AFTER the PSX.  Just one feeder wire that gets missed and is connected to the main power bus before the PSX will cause one of those serious headscratcher moments as you try to figure out why the darn thing works when a train enters the loop but shorts every time it tries to leave, or vice-versa.

                            --Randy

 

Great. Thank you guys. We're all done and all wired up! Everything tests fine. I appreciate the quick response time on the short notice. It sure is a relief and "comfy" having my power districts set up and the gaps finally cut. The AR bit will come later (in a few weeks) but it's wired up right next to the wye and still close to the command station. I have to lay that roadbed and track lst. It's great how the scary electrical/electronics stuff becomes gradually second nature (I hope) ! It's SO comforting to have mentors to check in with before committing to a procedure and knowing it's the proper one. (or one of several ;-)