Learning how to wire trackwork for MTH HO DCS

If you going to be 100% DCS then you don't insulated sidings. Each engine will have its own unique address and will only run when you select that engine. Why do think you need insulated sidings?

Steve

Steve,

If you going to be 100% DCS then you don't insulated sidings

I must disagree.

Insulated sidings for DCS are a good idea in general and even more important for DCS layouts that are powered by the DCS Commander. There are several reasons why this is so:

• All DCS engines accumulate time on their chronometers whenever the engines are on powered tracks, regardless of whether or not they are started up.
• Every engine on a powered track draws power, whether or not it's started up. The DCS Commander has a limitation of 6 amps of available power, regardless of the input power source capacity.
• Further, lighted cars also draw power whenever they're on powered tracks. They should be on switched sidings when not in use.
• Switchable sidings, as well as switchable mainline blocks, allow more effective troubleshooting of track-based electrical anomalies.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Steve an Barry,

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply.  I obviously have to continue my learning in working with DCS.   The info regarding why it is a good idea to have toggled sidings is critical.  Now if I can just determine the answers to my original posted question.

Barry, does the new Companion Guide (3rd edition)  go more deeply in DCS HO so that it would help me with my original questions that I had posted? 

Many thanks again!

John

does the new Companion Guide (3rd edition)  go more deeply in DCS HO so that it would help me with my original questions that I had posted? 

The DCS Companion addresses DCS for all gauges, not how to build a layout. However, it goes heavily into wiring and the principles for wiring a DCS layout are very much alike, regardless of gauge or number of rails.

To address your specific questions:

• When wiring switched track blocks, whether sidings or mainlines, always switch the Hot (+) rather than the Common (-).
• When deciding which rail is + and which is -, it matters not at all as long as you're consistent.
• The DCS Commander's sole output is DC, and its two terminals are clearly labeled "+" and "-".

Everything that you need to know about DCS is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Barry,

Great!  Thanks for the reply and I completely understand thanks to you.  Unfortunately, the DCS Commander I purchased (new) which included the 100 watt brick, only has markings on the output side of the dual connecting block saying "Output 0-16.VDC". There is no mention of + Positive or - Minus.  Should I just use a dc vom to determine which side of the terminal block  + and-?

 I will have no questions after this and can proceed on my own.

Regards,

John 

John,

Should I just use a dc vom to determine which side of the terminal block  + and-?

That will work.