AGHRMatt posted:There's been a long debate of Buss vs. Star wiring. Lost in the discussion is the real culprit -- signal feedback. The key thing to remember is that there should NEVER be more than one feed in a block as the signal will interfere with itself between the feeds. Also, the feeds should be at one end of the block rather than in the center due to "bounce-back" from the ends (you only get a bounce-back from one end reducing signal loss). Ironically, even though the protocols are different, DCC wiring practices seem to work well with DCS, including "sbubbers" at the ends of a buss. The snubbers (also referred to as "Deats Filters" for Susan Deats' son) neutralize the signal when it reaches the end of the buss to prevent bounce-back.
If you're using insulated rail to trigger block or grade crossing signals, put .1uF capacitors across the gaps in the trigger rails to preserve the TMCC signal.
If you want to run a buss, DO NOT "LOOP" it (tie the ends together).
I don't plan on using blocks on the loops of track so I shouldn't have to worry about any signal/power loss or bounce back. I do however plan on isolating all the industrial stub tracks including the yard so I have the option to turn them off when not in use. My initial plan was to run a bus around the layout to power everything except the turntable bridge track and whisker track, but then I read about star wiring and i want to be able to run both Lionel and MTH trains smoothly so naturally the internal debate began and well... here I am lol.
