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Good afternoon all,

I've settled on my initial layout design and I've attached the track plans from SCARM as a reference. I'm running all Legacy or MTH DCS Locos and I'm using Fastrack with several sidings that I'd like to keep powered with lighted bumpers. I was thinking about running two-star patterns from my TIU, one from fixed OUTPUT1 powered by its own Z1000 and another from Fixed Output2 with a separate Z1000. It's basically two loop operation, with no more than two-three engines running at a time. I like having the switches powered off of track voltage, but I've seen mixed recommendations on powering them at 18 VAC vs. 14VAC, any recommendations on this would help. I also like the switch levers vs. through the DCS or CAB controller. Well any feedback or pointers on something I've may have missed would be helpful, I only have experience with a single loop and no switches. 

 

Cheers

Respectfully

Chris

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Last edited by CLH7508
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Chris,

Running switch tracks using track power can degrade the DCS signal. It'sd a bad idea.


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Lou1985 posted:

I'd run all the switches on fixed voltage. Takes the load off the transformer that you're running trains with. 

That won't matter as much as signal. Command will use a fixed voltage so they will throw well as is, and the system will compensate with adjusting the power to the engine at lightning speed.  If light flicker bugs you, add some capacitence.

I am not sure if it is by design, but the trains will have to be set to run in opposite directions. Each would service its own siding. Another pair of crossover switches could remedy that. Activate and try the simulator in SCARM to test run the layout. Menu item Extensions>Browse for Extensions and install Model Train Simulator.

The 1 3/8" between the crossover switches will need to have the center wire jumper removed to isolate the two loops. That is only the hot. The commons are ok.

I support the choke on the track power jumper of the switches, then track power for the switches will be ok.

Stupid question, why do the loops have to be electrically isolated with MTH DCS? Also, this design has some cost savings in the form of fewer switches, I may need to pack it up and move, ultimately I want to build a Atlas O layout. Lastly, I'm not familiar with a choke, I think I get what it is, anyone have a part link. 

 

Thanks

John H posted:

Isolating keeps your DCS channels separated. It also keeps your power supplies separate. Usually a bad idea to parallel transformers.

Yes, good info from John - more for keeping the DCS signal blocks - if you used fixed 1 and fixed 2 on the TIU, the output of the two Z-1000's will be close enough that bridging shouldn't be a concern - use the MTH adapter sets and the phasing will be correct, too.

I have used this Fixed Inductor(choke) from DigiKey  - affordable shipping - get a few extra - trim the leads to fit nicely where the track power jumper is located and replace it - it absorbs the electrical interference of the DCS signal that the switch electronics create

CLH7508 posted:

So, if I had DCS signal wired to both sides of the switch is a choke necessary? Especially if the switch is the problem, or does this issue cause issues for locomotives crossing the switch itself?

Wherever you have track power, there is DCS signal. No additional or extra wiring is needed. 

As John said, it is the frequencies emitted by the electronics in the switch that can interfere with the DCS signal. Think like riding under a power line when listening to AM radio.

The choke absorbs the frequencies that can interfere. Therefore, the choke is necessary when using FasTrack switches and DCS control.

I learned from electrical engineers like John. I don't want to be one. 

Just do it and your trains will run like they should. Do you want to know how to build a watch or what the time is?

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