How to feed a 120m track

[PhilP]

13 mm seems small!

I think that is the bore?
Adequate for a couple of low voltage feeder cables, but not for section and train-detection etc.

PhilP

 

[GAP]

13 mm seems small!

CAT5 cable will go through it. For larger cable I use the 19mm stuff.

 

[Gerard]

Having a single point 24 V AC powered 150m loop rail outside in my garden with a lot of rain here in Holland and running it without any problem now for about 7 years using old sleeve connectors and some massoth clamps both with Molycote copper paste, I advice you to start like this.
Soldering of the track joints can be very tricky damaging the track and prohibits any necessary track movement due to temperature changes and is not necessary. Also the multi point powering is not necessary. That makes it all much more simple to start with.

 

[Rhinochugger]

HI!

I want to build a railway inside my greenhouse to transport our flowers to the warehouse for packing. I have bought a building block starter set to test and it worked perfectly!
The system will be U shapped, with a total of 120 meters, with a single track, no turnouts. The central station 3 will control the train and automations
Along the track I plan to install contact point that are activated via magnet on the train so I can know where the train is and also so I can send it to specific points on the track.

My question is, how should I feed this track? Is 1 cable (1 injection point) enough for a track this size? Or should I use multiple points along the track? If so, how is this wiring done?
I bought a S88 link to connect to the contacts on the track, can I have is near the central station and run cables along the length of the track to connect to the contacts? Or is 120 meters too much for these feedback contacts to work?

I have watched countless hours of videos on youtube, read instruction manuals and search the web for these answers, but wasn't able to find anything usefull. Is someone can help me I would be very greatfull!

Thanks,
Tomás

I'm part of the 'keep it simple' club, so I would start with a feed each end. That way, each feed is only going to have to supply 60 metres before it meets the power coming the other way.

It also depends on the track joiners that you're using and, to get best results for something where reliable running is more important that frequent photo shoots, track clamps are going to be the best method. I would be so bold as to say that track clamps will keep the voltage for 60 metres.

If you find there is voltage drop with this set up, then run a fat cable (cooker cable is my weapon of choice) from one of the power supplies, under the track, to a third position in the middle of the 'U'.

 

[Paul M]

Soldering of the track joints

I wouldn't solder the track, you solder jumper leads across the joints.