If I have an inner and out loop out track connected with. a double crossover, do I need only a Plus and a Minus to the outer loop or do I need to also wire the inner loop too. From Jim Barrett's back shop article from Feb/Mar 2011, he says, not to run more than one wire to the center rail. Any help would be appreciated. I'm very new to DCS.
. thank you. Pete
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Pete
What Jim meant is don't run more than one wire to the middle rail in the same Power block
I am sure you would want seperate transformer handles for each loop Use two TIU channels and cut your middle rail to isolate each loop
I take issue with the recommendation to use 16-gauge wire, and that hot and common leads must be equal length. I suggest 14-gauge for a layout track power--voltage drop is a problem at the low voltages used for model trains--and the cost difference is minimal. [I expect this will start a brouhaha!] I am told that bulbs should not be used if you have a Rev L TIU. Given the durations required for fuses or breakers to blow on overload, a 7-amp fuse might be better unless you're running many trains on a circuit. I prefer breakers to fuses because, even over a short period, cost more.
RJR,
I agree 100% and wire my DCS layout accordingly. No matter which TIU revision
I use I still use the magic lights thru out my layout. So far the 10 Amp Scott Breakers have worked perfectly for me.
PCRR/Dave
I take issue with the recommendation to use 16-gauge wire, and that hot and common leads must be equal length. I suggest 14-gauge for a layout track power--voltage drop is a problem at the low voltages used for model trains--and the cost difference is minimal. [I expect this will start a brouhaha!] I am told that bulbs should not be used if you have a Rev L TIU. Given the durations required for fuses or breakers to blow on overload, a 7-amp fuse might be better unless you're running many trains on a circuit. I prefer breakers to fuses because, even over a short period, cost more.
RJR;
No argument from me, and no brouhaha!
Bigger is better with lots of things, and wire is no exception.
I guess I should have said "no smaller than 16 AWG....."
The best,
Rod
Pete;
Best info is in the DCS Companion, a ebook by Barry available on the MTH website.
It is the best money you can spend on a Command Control system.
The book details how to wire and connect the system for best operation.
Barry has many years of working as a beta tester for DCS and knows all about it.
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