DCC Wye

[tjerrard]

Ant hints on how to wire for DCC a wye track?

Tom

[howmus]

tjerrard, Welcome to the forum! [#welcome]

Basic wireing for a wye is exactly the same as a reverse loop. I would recommend using an automatic reversing unit such as the Digitrax AR1. For more information check out Allen Gartner's website: http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track_2.htm#a9

[tjerrard]

Thank you. Any other hints?

Tom

[gmpullman]

Since you HAVE to stop and reverse at a wye as opposed to continuous running on a reverse loop, you could get away with a DPDT switch wired to reverse the polarity on one leg of the wye.

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gmpullman

Since you HAVE to stop and reverse at a wye as opposed to continuous running on a reverse loop, you could get away with a DPDT switch wired to reverse the polarity on one leg of the wye.

You can wire a reverse loop that way also, but I went to DCC so I don't have to worry about throwing toggle switches. For the money I would advise that you go with the reversing unit and just run your trains instead of the track. It really makes it sweet.

[bogp40]

Would the train length be limited to the distance between the 3 switches of the "Y", or could the reversing block extend outward to a gapped section. What would detemine how to set the polarity back on the main for the next train if you extend past a switch?
Bob K.

[tjerrard]

Bob

You ask a good question and in reality I should have been clearer. With limited space I was thinking of installing a wye that would double as the beginning of reverse loops where the top of the wye returns to the mainline forming the reverse loop.

A much more complex wiring question then my original question let on.

Tom

[tjerrard]

Howmus

I agree I would rather run the trains then the track.

Tom

[howmus]

tjerrard, I think what you are planning should work without any problems. Make sure that the wye/reverse loop is completely isolated. The only problem that you could have is if more than one train enters the loop at the same time or if you are running a long train with lighted cars or caboose that could cross the gap at the same time the loco crosses the gap at the other end (creating a short). Of course these are the the same issues that are always present with a wye or loop. Good luck!

[nslakediv]

MRC makes a auto reverser for DCC which is rated at 2 amps now. Cost you about $35.00? much cheaper than a booster from any manufacturer.

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nslakediv

MRC makes a auto reverser for DCC which is rated at 2 amps now. Cost you about $35.00? much cheaper than a booster from any manufacturer.

True, you don't need to use a booster. The AR1 runs off track power, is rated to handle up to 8 amps, and sells for $24 at Loys. I would imagine that Tony's and several other places have comparable prices. http://www.loystoys.com/digitrax/ar1.html There are several other gadgets from a variety of manufacturers out there that can do the same thing for less than any booster would cost.

[tjerrard]

Thanks everyone.