Wiring new layout for DCS

Oman, let me understand you.....from the terminal block we would run many power feeds to the same loop or multiple loops of track.  You are saying it is required to separate each power feed from another even if they are just X number of feet or connections from the other one in the same loop, going back to the same terminal block?  I get the idea of the DCS signal wants to see the same distance from out and back so this forces the signal to go back the same power feed instead of leaking to the next?  Seems I have heard conflicting but appreciate the definitive answer

@Rick Rubino posted:

as MTH is no more in a couple of months time and your layout is HO why not go with a DCC system NCE or Digitrax. the MTH locos will run on it just fine and that and it will allow you to run any of the HO manufacturers locos as well. signal problems are not a problem with DCC and there is so much more available for DCC.

DCS is still being supported, they spun that off to a small group of employees, so DCS will go on, if someone wants to use it. Personally if I had HO I would go with DCC, not DCS, simply because it isn't tied to any one company, and if the source of my DCC system went away, have a lot of choices *shrug*

"DCS is still being supported, they spun that off to a small group of employees, so DCS will go on, if someone wants to use it. "

Maybe.

For HO, no doubt, it would be DCC I would strongly consider.  As far as I know, all MTH HO locos can function with DCC.  Not always perfectly, and all features, but DCC is guaranteed to be around 1, 2, 5 and probably 10-20 years from now.  Just worth considering.

Going DCC on a 3-rail layout with TMCC/Legacy in the mix as well is a BAD IDEA, at least IMO.  It might be useful to think about the actual environment being considered...

@Don Merz 070317 posted:

I am SLOWLY wiring my 16x17 layout(3-rail running DCS and TMCC thru 3 TIUs in super mode with 12 isolated blocks--no Legacy or conventional).

When wiring turnouts especially in a yard configuration. I solder wires to every isolated rail. They are for the most tied into the existing wiring. Often times creating multiples in the same block on the same terminal. I also use basically common ground wiring for the most part because that’s what was there before DCS arrived. The layout was blocked.  Every 3 ft. Sections of Gargraves has feeders. I wasn’t about to re wire a large layout. Tweak Yes. Re Wire No. A lot of what I did was just clean things up. 12 gauge buss with 14 gauge feeders. Stranded automotive wire.
My advice. What ever wiring method you choose. Is test as you go along. Every section you add re test everything, fix before moving on and by all means. Don’t overthink this.

@Oman posted:

The DCS star wiring system calls for each track feed being isolated from the others. You do this by cutting the rail that is connected to the red terminal of the TIU or using insulated rail joiners.

You can do either. Or just leave the center (RED WIRE RAIL) Pin out and make sure the rails are NOT touching each other.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Going DCC on a 3-rail layout with TMCC/Legacy in the mix as well is a BAD IDEA, at least IMO.  It might be useful to think about the actual environment being considered...

John.  my advice was based on his stating that he was in HO not 3 rail. and as far as employees taking over the electronic part of MTH I have my doubts. MTH was for sale for quite some time with no takers and have heard rumors from friends in the industry that things are not going well in that regards to employees taking over the DCS side.. JUST A RUMOR NOT A FACT. Rick

Rick, I see we have two conversations going here, so there's confusion enough to go around!   The OP did say HO, then Don jumped in talking about 3-rail O.  I agree with you on the HO, that's a no-brainer.

@SteveMa posted:

Oman, let me understand you.....from the terminal block we would run many power feeds to the same loop or multiple loops of track.  You are saying it is required to separate each power feed from another even if they are just X number of feet or connections from the other one in the same loop, going back to the same terminal block?  I get the idea of the DCS signal wants to see the same distance from out and back so this forces the signal to go back the same power feed instead of leaking to the next?  Seems I have heard conflicting but appreciate the definitive answer

Yes, so you do want power blocks, although you don't need to electrically switch them. Each block has it's own power feed. Some people have had success with buss wiring, but some have not. So, may as well do what's recommended.

Terminal board has arrived.