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Please find attached my proposed wiring scheme for a DCS module that would be connected to other similar modules to form a loop display layout.

Points to consider:

1) There is NO electrical connection between the modules except through the buss wiring.

2) A sufficiently heavy gauge of stranded wire will be used to minimize voltage drops.

3) The layout will be wired with a buss system and not a star system, i.e., only one feed point fpr entire layout.

4) All track connections between the two mainlines will have an insulated center rail in the crossing.

Questions:

A) Would you pair or even twist the two main power/signal lines, i.e., A to B and C to D?

B) Would you pair or even twist the module drops to the buss, i.e., E to F and G to H?

C) Would you use an 18 volt bulb or a filter anywhere in the module or elsewhere?

I've read both of Mr. Broskowitz's books and while I may have the general idea behind them I'm still a little fuzzy on the details.

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Images (1)
  • proposed module wiring low res
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Assuming the layout is a loop, you will want to insulate the center rails in at least one point between two modules. You don't want the DCS signal propagating from 2 directions.  If the layout is more than a dozen or so modules, you may need to insulate in more locations to break the layout into blocks.  If you have signal problems, add a magic filter or bulb to each block (especially needed if TIU is earlier than rev L).

Bob

RRDOC posted:

Assuming the layout is a loop, you will want to insulate the center rails in at least one point between two modules. You don't want the DCS signal propagating from 2 directions.  If the layout is more than a dozen or so modules, you may need to insulate in more locations to break the layout into blocks.  If you have signal problems, add a magic filter or bulb to each block (especially needed if TIU is earlier than rev L).

Bob

If I understand your comment correctly, every module is a block. There is no electrical connection between modules (blocks) except through the buss. If you mean that I should break the buss so that the buss wiring is not a loop, then I could break the buss at the farthest point from the TIU feed connection so that electrically the wiring appears as a "T" with the signal going two directions from the feed point.

I  suggest that you give consideration to the National Capital Trackers wiring plan for their modules. They have developed a solid method over years of display activity. The links for their module standards and the wiring harness are at the bottom of the web page. The operate with DCS and Legacy

The North Penn O Gaugers have also refined a wiring system to operate with DCS and Legacy without issues. Again, developed by experience. Their booklet describes their method

Taking what those clubs have learned and applying it to your system should save you a lot time and headaches.

Moonman posted:

I  suggest that you give consideration to the National Capital Trackers wiring plan for their modules. They have developed a solid method over years of display activity. The links for their module standards and the wiring harness are at the bottom of the web page. The operate with DCS and Legacy

The North Penn O Gaugers have also refined a wiring system to operate with DCS and Legacy without issues. Again, developed by experience. Their booklet describes their method

Taking what those clubs have learned and applying it to your system should save you a lot time and headaches.

While neither wiring method that you provided a link to specifically spells it out, I'm assuming that there is no electrical connection from module to the next module except through the buss. Is this your understanding too?

Dan

If you mean by "no electrical connection" that the track doesn't connect, then the NPOG states that track is flush with module end and there are no joiners between modules; NCT uses bridge tracks so they do connect tracks.  It shouldn't matter either way.  By not having them, it is easier to create power districts and break the loop at any point by not connecting the buss.  Our DCC modular layout doesn't have track connections.  It is also easier to set up without bridge tracks.

Brendan

Last edited by Brendan

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