wiring a lift gate

[nickyb]

I just finished installing my track on the lift gate, what is the best way for wiring for DCC operation. There is only one track, its a main line.

[SpaceMouse]

I've seen them wired with plugs jacks and though magnetic connections.

One thing. It is a good idea to cut gaps in the track a foot or so back from the bridge and have each side of the track powered on the opposite side of the bridge. That way when the bridge is lifted, the locos can't get any where near the drop off to the floor.  

[selector]

Yes, you could power the bridge, plus about one foot or more on each end, solely via wires on the bridge running out from the hinged end to the gapped length, and the fastener/aligning pins and receivers would have wires that power the gapped length on that end.  When the bridge is raised/removed/lowered, the pins no longer have contact, so the gapped length on that end goes dead as a fail-safe there.  On the hinged end, you could have a contact switch that, when decompressed due to the bridge moving out of position, cuts off power to both the bridge rails and the length you want to go dead on that end.

Or, to say it another way, you must figure out how to power the bridge only once it is locked into position, often with barrel locks or stereo jacks....whatever.  However, concomitantly, the in-position bridge is the only position by which the safety zones just off each end of the bridge are powered.  If the bridge moves appreciably, power should be cut from all three lengths in very short order.

-Crandell

[bogp40]

To add to selector's comments as to the track powering and  bridge disconnect. Whatever method you do end up using, make sure that you have solid connections as not to have any voltage drop on the bridge or either "safety" aproaches. Quality micro switches controlling the track/ bridge power would be a good option. Contact pins or plates and undersized  wiring can lead to resistance issues and an annoying voltage drop. It is a good idea to use locating  tapered pins for alignment and a slide bolt to secure.