DC to DCC

Discussion in 'RTR Trackwork' started by Whaler, May 16, 2018.

  1. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    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
     
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  2. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    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.
     
  3. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    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
     
  4. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    Thanks Pete I was hoping to maybe solder the joints or something!

    Some good stuff to read Bob, I will wade through it.

    Ron
     
  5. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    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
     
  6. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    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
     
  7. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    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
     
  8. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    Hi Kim, PLASTIC what is the difference?
    Ron
     
  9. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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  10. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    Thanks for the link Kim a good explanation, any reason that you asked me what type of points I had fitted?
    Ron
     
  11. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    Hi Ron , just wondering if you had used the pointwork to isolate the power to sidings etc
    Kim
     
  12. Sol

    Sol Full Member

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  13. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    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.
     
  14. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    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
     
  15. Captain pugwash

    Captain pugwash Full Member

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    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
     
  16. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    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
    IMG_2972 copy.jpg IMG_2974 copy.jpg IMG_2973 copy.jpg
     
  17. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    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
     
  18. Whaler

    Whaler Full Member

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    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
     
  19. redpiperbob

    redpiperbob Full Member

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    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
     

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