RE: Wiring a New Layout

I would consider throwing another set of cross-over switches (looks like you would need a pair of left-hand switches) on the two loops, to allow you to crossover from one loop to the other while always going forward.  Otherwise, you will be doomed to make a backing maneuver half the time in order to cross over. 

Chris,

Running switch tracks using track power can degrade the DCS signal. It'sd a bad idea.

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You can have both switch levers and switch control via DCS through an AIU.  I do.

I'd run all the switches on fixed voltage. Takes the load off the transformer that you're running trains with. 

Lou1985 posted:

I'd run all the switches on fixed voltage. Takes the load off the transformer that you're running trains with. 

That won't matter as much as signal. Command will use a fixed voltage so they will throw well as is, and the system will compensate with adjusting the power to the engine at lightning speed.  If light flicker bugs you, add some capacitence.

According to Gunrunnerjohn:

I've always run them from track power since I run command, they don't make a dent in the power at all.  FWIW, if you run DCS (MTH Protosound 2/3), swap out the track power jumper for a 22uh choke to prevent the switch from corrupting the DCS track signal.

John H is correct, just adding a small 22uh choke solves the problem of any DCS signal interference.  Truthfully, with a layout of this size, I doubt DCS signal will be an issue as long as you have good conductivity for all the track.

I am not sure if it is by design, but the trains will have to be set to run in opposite directions. Each would service its own siding. Another pair of crossover switches could remedy that. Activate and try the simulator in SCARM to test run the layout. Menu item Extensions>Browse for Extensions and install Model Train Simulator.

The 1 3/8" between the crossover switches will need to have the center wire jumper removed to isolate the two loops. That is only the hot. The commons are ok.

I support the choke on the track power jumper of the switches, then track power for the switches will be ok.

Stupid question, why do the loops have to be electrically isolated with MTH DCS? Also, this design has some cost savings in the form of fewer switches, I may need to pack it up and move, ultimately I want to build a Atlas O layout. Lastly, I'm not familiar with a choke, I think I get what it is, anyone have a part link. 

Thanks

Isolating keeps your DCS channels separated. It also keeps your power supplies separate. Usually a bad idea to parallel transformers.

The choke is a filter capacitor.

John H posted:

Isolating keeps your DCS channels separated. It also keeps your power supplies separate. Usually a bad idea to parallel transformers.

Yes, good info from John - more for keeping the DCS signal blocks - if you used fixed 1 and fixed 2 on the TIU, the output of the two Z-1000's will be close enough that bridging shouldn't be a concern - use the MTH adapter sets and the phasing will be correct, too.

I have used this Fixed Inductor(choke) from DigiKey  - affordable shipping - get a few extra - trim the leads to fit nicely where the track power jumper is located and replace it - it absorbs the electrical interference of the DCS signal that the switch electronics create

Adriatic posted:

The choke is a filter capacitor.

A choke is not a capacitor, two totally different components.  The choke is used to block the higher frequencies of the DCS signal from the switch.  The high impedance of the choke at these higher frequencies keeps the power supply capacitors from degrading the DCS track signal.

So, if I had DCS signal wired to both sides of the switch is a choke necessary? Especially if the switch is the problem, or does this issue cause issues for locomotives crossing the switch itself?

CLH7508 posted:

So, if I had DCS signal wired to both sides of the switch is a choke necessary? Especially if the switch is the problem, or does this issue cause issues for locomotives crossing the switch itself?

Wherever you have track power, there is DCS signal. No additional or extra wiring is needed. 

As John said, it is the frequencies emitted by the electronics in the switch that can interfere with the DCS signal. Think like riding under a power line when listening to AM radio.

The choke absorbs the frequencies that can interfere. Therefore, the choke is necessary when using FasTrack switches and DCS control.

I learned from electrical engineers like John. I don't want to be one. 

Just do it and your trains will run like they should. Do you want to know how to build a watch or what the time is?

Ok, sounds good, so isolate loops with 1/38 isolated pieces, use either a choke or power off  an accessory xfmr. 

Break

If I just go with a single loop and several sidings, still use a choke unless switches are powered off of an accessory xfmr. 

Coil choke or inductor then? 

Not to argue, but so I may explain and adapt . Two of my "teachers" often refered to a motor cap as a choke, and induction was a coil choke or inducer. This wouldn't the first time a trade niche term bit me.