Been busy, just getting back to my layout update. I am converting my 1980's N gauge layout to DCC. I had created many sections for dual operation and the track was joined by using plastic joiners. My problem now is to create continuity by removing or replacing or adding droppers everywhere . Any suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers Ron
Ideally every section of track should have its own power supply (dropper), and not rely on rail joiners. Sometimes it isn't always possible with an existing layout, inside tunnels etc. Points should have plastic joiners on the heel end to prevent shorts. Keep us informed how you get on mate, and any problems, shout up, someone will be able to help. Cheer's, Pete.
Hi Ron here is a good page to look at for block circuits for a DCC layout http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/DCC2.html If you go down to the following heading it should help. Although all of Brian's pages are very useful. DCC Circuit over current protection. be see you Bob
Thanks Pete I was hoping to maybe solder the joints or something! Some good stuff to read Bob, I will wade through it. Ron
Hi Ron might be worth doing a layout diagram showing all the dc section you made up, then you can use it as a work sheet to make sure you don’t miss any. Good practice not to solder across the rail joints ( I’m sure we all do the odd one here and there) better to have droppers on every section of trackwork. What type of points are fitted, Electro frog in insulfrog? Kim
Hi Kim, Sounds like droppers are the way to go and yes I do have my original work sheet. How do I tell the difference in points. Ron
Hi Ron, look at the joint on the frog v is it soldered or is there a piece of plastic rail insulating both sides of the v ? Kim
http://www.brunelhobbies.com.au/PECO/pecoInsulElectrofrog.htm This shows the difference between the two types. Kim
Thanks for the link Kim a good explanation, any reason that you asked me what type of points I had fitted? Ron
The type of turnout, Insulfrog or Electrofrog determines if you need insulated joiners or not. Again from Brian Lambert's site http://brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.html#live http://brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.html#Insulated
Hi Ron, could you post a photo of your points. I've just had a look at what Peco points look like and they do both types. Pete.
Hi Ron As a quick test, connect the track feeds from your DC controller to your DCC command station, then turn all your DC sections ON. Hopefully no shorts, then test with a coin or piece of metal wide enough to short across tracks, short out the track - your overload / short circuit protection should kick in straight away and kill the power. If it doesn't this is a good indicator that your wiring isn't heavy enough for DCC, and will need thicker track bus feeds. Test this all around the layout. Best practice is always at least one track feed per piece of rail (i have seen layouts wired with a minimum of two - used on an exhibition layout and belt and braces were the order of the day. Paul
Hi whaler I'm just building my first dcc layout and i have fitted dropers to every track section i have also fitted dropers to all three ends of the points so i don't have to rely on the blades for power, i have no power loss or stalling on the points doing it this way Cheers captain pugwash http://www.click
Hi to all, many thanks for all the info. I am attaching a photo of some of my points another photo of my track plan showing the sections I created and the final photo is of my old control board. Any further comments appreciated. Ron
Hi Ron have you seen the following on Brian's site It shows how the layout is controlled from a bus that feeds the DCC signal all around the boards.Droppers from each piece of track feed the signal from the DCC bus to the track. Do you know what DCC system you are buying to control the layout. Be seeing you Bob
Hi Bob thanks for the track plan, I have already purchased an NCE starter system. I think I will have to add a lot more droppers. Ron
Hi Ron I am glad it was of some help.. I use a Z21 system so I don't know much about the NCE system. But they all work the same basic way. I think Paul uses the NCE system so he can probably help you if you need it. I will help too if I can Be seeing you Bob