Clarification- Using ACC Power for Switches and various other DCS related questions

Matt,

Am I right in thinking that when you are using the accessory power that I do not need to connect common? and that I don't need to worry about phase?  Should I have an inline fuse, or is the built-in resettable fuse in the transformer cover both?

In this case, phasing and connecting Common wires is not an issue at all. However, I'm uncertain as to whether or not the Z1000 circuit breaker protects the accessory terminals. An inline fuse for the accessory Hot wire certainly wouldn't hurt.

This time around I am planning on running 2 locomotives, maybe 3.  They will mostly be hauling freight cars (6 or so each, unlighted) and 3 lighted passenger cars at any given time.  It seems that the Z1000 brick should be able to handle this without any issues.  Any thoughts? 

Maybe, maybe not. You could see either a breaker trip or a reduction in maximum speed.

Am I correct in stating that if I were to break the track into districts that I can use the MTH insulated tracks and remove the center jumper? 

Yes.

I would then need to make sure that the transformers are phased and that I would use a terminal block to connect the common (black) wires together.  Then just use lock-ons to deliver power as necessary. 

Yes.

I also would like to have a rail yard or siding to keep unused trains.  If the siding has power and the train is sitting there, the chrono clock will be running, right?

Correct.

I would then need to wire a toggle switch to remove power?

Correct.

Thank you Barry!  Your book and this forum are invaluable for assisting with setting up and DCS operation.  My hat is off to all of you!

One other item around setting up districts.  How do I account for switches in that equation.  So, for example I intend to have an inner and outer loop which are connected by switches (MTH).  Do they count as an insulation block?  So I could feed the inner loop with its own transformer and the likewise with the outer loop?  I am not really sure about the placement of the insulation blocks if that isn't the case ...

The other question I have is around running a conventional train.  If, for example I configure the inner loop to be connected to a variable channel, and assigned to the TR button on the remote.  When I switch to the inner loop, then power is still provided to the Fixed Input.  What happens if a switch is flipped and the train makes its way out to the main loop?  I am trying to understand what would happen in case my son does this by accident.

~Matt

Matt,

Do they count as an insulation block?

No. Have each switch as part of a block in one loop and insulate its center rail that connects to the other loop from the other loop. Typically, a pair of switches provides a crossover between loops. Have one switch in one loop and the other in the other loop. Don't connect the center rail between switch pairs. 

So I could feed the inner loop with its own transformer and the likewise with the outer loop?

Correct.

If, for example I configure the inner loop to be connected to a variable channel, and assigned to the TR button on the remote.  When I switch to the inner loop, then power is still provided to the Fixed Input.  What happens if a switch is flipped and the train makes its way out to the main loop?

The train will speed up to full throttle.

I am trying to understand what would happen in case my son does this by accident.

Very bad things!  

Matt,  I have a 6x10 carpet central with a Z1000.  I run up to 3 locomotives at once, a P5a(no smoke), an Atlantic with smoke and a S2 with smoke.  8 freight cars on the S2 with a lighted caboose and 3 woodside pass cars on the Atlantic.  The Z1000 also powers 4 switches.  I have never had it trip a circuit breaker with all 3 engines running at speeds up to 35smph.  Now I have not run this configuration for more than about 10-15 minutes, maybe longer run times would cause an issue but in the short term you should be fine.   

Hope this helps.   

Hi Barry,

Using the layout below as an example.  Could you please mark where the insulated tracks would go if I were to break the loops into separate districts?  Also, what if you have 2 switches together with no track inbetween?

Thank you!

~MattS

Thank you Dave!  That does help me understand consumption and capabilities.

Best!

~MattS

Here's how you'd isolate the inside loop from the outside loop.  That's the simplest case, I'm not sure if that's what you're looking for.

John,

That does help me to clarify positioning of the insulated tracks and should help in the future as well. 

Cheers!
~Matt

Like I said, that's the simple example, it just isolates the inner loop and shart siding from the rest of the track.  However, the same principles apply no matter how big the layout gets.  It does get a lot more complicated at times.

I'm not sure of what you mean. 

If, for example I configure the inner loop to be connected to a variable channel, and assigned to the TR button on the remote.  When I switch to the inner loop, then power is still provided to the Fixed Input.  What happens if a switch is flipped and the train makes its way out to the main loop?

The train will speed up to full throttle.

I am trying to understand what would happen in case my son does this by accident.

Very bad things!  

If all the locos are DCS, then nothing will happen if a loco accidentally changes loops--train will continue at same speed.  If you are saying that a conventional loco will be running on the VARIABLE & goes over to the FIXED loop, it will speed up.

Hi RJR,

You hit the nail on the head.  I was referring to a conventional locomotive.  We have 2, one of which is an F3 Santa Fe that we recently acquired.  My son really likes it and I know it will be run a lot once the track is down.

Cheers!
~Matt

Robert,

I'm not sure of what you mean. 

An earlier part of his post...

The other question I have is around running a conventional train.  If, for example I configure the inner loop to be connected to a variable channel, and assigned to the TR button on the remote.  When I switch to the inner loop, then power is still provided to the Fixed Input. 

OK, sorry I misread.

I would use VARIABLE for both loops, and in the TIU set the maximum output voltage for both channels to the minimum that will satisfactorily run the DCS loco.  This will probably be about 15 volts.  While the SF F3 will still fly without a train, the top speed will be less hazardous.

I have quite a bit of conventional, dating back to before WWII, but since getting into DCS with the ability to control locos indpeendently even when they're near each other, I rarely one them.  In fact, I recently converted a 1950 steamer to DCS, but the running so far leaves something to be desired

I thought we were rid of these titles for members, ranking them according the the volume of rubbish we could post.