Skip to main content

I am building a second layout and have purchased a new DCS set with Rev L TIU. Plan to run the two variable channels with a ZW transformer and use the Radio Shack Power supply to power the TIU. Question I have is since the REV L has enhanced signal performance, is it still necessary or desirable to follow the so called "10 commandments of DCS wiring" ie star wiring home runs, twisted pairs with same length each conductor , use a terminal block and the magic lamp. I have followed this wiring protocal for my older layout with a prior rev TIU and have good performance with DCS version 4.2. The layout sizes and mainline runs are about the same for each layout.

 

Since the Rev L seems to have improved signal strength capability I was considering the possibility of bus wiring with 14 gauge stranded for the new layout.

 

Appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

I wasn't going to comment, but I'm a total sucker for punishment.

 

You said you are going to use the variable channels, but I am guessing you mean the fixed ones?

I would still follow the basic idea of TIU outputs to distribution blocks, then separate wire pairs to your power feeds.

The choice of isolated power blocks is up to you!! Haha!!

 

Uhoh; I sense the vultures are circling overhead.......

 

Rod

Question I have is since the REV L has enhanced signal performance, is it still necessary or desirable to follow the so called "10 commandments of DCS wiring"

First, the so-called "10 commandments" aren't commandments, rather, they're guidelines. Regardless, the answer to your question is a qualified "yes". While the Rev. L will provide improved DCS signal strength, it isn't a  miracle worker. Individually, see below.

star wiring home runs

An absolute "yes" if you're building a new layout.

twisted pairs with same length each conductor

By all means use stranded wire of sufficient gauge (16, 14, etc.) depending on the length of the wire runs. However, the wires need not be the same length. That's a myth that was dispelled some time ago. Twisted pair is good for better DCS signal propagation, however, any quality wire, such as the OGR wire (which is twisted pair), is fine.

use a terminal block

Yes, most certainly.

and the magic lamp

Typically, light bulbs and "engineered filters" are no longer necessary when using a Rev. L TIU. In fact, they may even degrade a Rev. L's DCS signal strength. Build without either of these devices and only use them if they actually improve DCS signal strength,

 

For a complete discussion of wiring a new layout, refer to The DCS O Gauge C ompanion 2nd Edition, pages 54-67.

 

This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!

 
 

Barry and Rod

 

Appreciate you both and thank you for chiming in. Your thoughts and advise is appreciated. I will use the star pattern home runs with twisted shielded pairs from the terminal blocks and see how it works out regarding DCS signal strength.

 

Rod I should have been a bit clearer about the layout. It will be two levels with no track interconnection between levels. Essentially it is two railroads in one layout. Since I do ruin conventional as well as command, I plan to have this ability on both railroads and will use the DCS handheld and the two variable channels to do this.

 

The layout will also have a Legacy set and I will connect the legacy set to both common outputs on the two TIU variable channel outputs.

Originally Posted by LIRR Steamer:

Rod I should have been a bit clearer about the layout. It will be two levels with no track interconnection between levels. Essentially it is two railroads in one layout. Since I do ruin conventional as well as command, I plan to have this ability on both railroads and will use the DCS handheld and the two variable channels to do this.

 

The layout will also have a Legacy set and I will connect the legacy set to both common outputs on the two TIU variable channel outputs.

Gotcha;

Makes sense and sounds like it should work very well.

Sounds like you are on the right path.

 

Have fun,

Rod

Post
The DCS Forum is sponsored by
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×