All:
In discussions on another topic, someone reported a potential problem with DCS while using zipcord.
When 2 conductors in the same circuit are close, there is a capacitance effect. This has no effect on a wire to a lamp, for example. But when sends higher frequency signals, it could have an effect. On my layout, I use 14-gauge stranded THHM wire, available at Lowes, Home Depot, probably Menards, and many good hardware stores. I keep hot and ground separated.
If you have 2 conductors from different circuits, say 2 hots feeding separate blocks, close together, you MAY experience inductance between them, that a signal on one induces a signal current on the other.
These issues aren't present if one only runs conventional. But they MAY be if one uses a system that sends signals over the wires to issue commands to locos.
In my new layout which is TMCC only, I plan to use 12 or 14 gauge zipcord for my bus wiring. I'm wondering if this is going to be a problem or if anyone else has seen problems with this. The layout will be rather large (11' x 47'), so I'm trying to avoid creating an issue.
Thanks in advance,
George
