power

Jasper said:
Everyone: please don't try this. If you (or a housemate) ever unplug one of the amps from the wall while both amps are still connected to the same track, touching the prongs could be lethal!
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Since track power is DC, that can't happen. It is a problem with low voltage AC circuits, but not with low voltage DC circuits.

There is nothing model railways controller that can convert DC to AC.
 
Software Tools said:
Since track power is DC, that can't happen. It is a problem with low voltage AC circuits, but not with low voltage DC circuits.

There is nothing model railways controller that can convert DC to AC.
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Yeah you are right, AS a electrician I was thinking of AC circuits. The second unit cannot convert the DC back to AC to drive the TX in reverse. I just tried it with 2 DC controllers to be sure , nothing on the plug of disconnected second unit.
 
Ok that's clear, but 2 DC power units should be separated by 2 way circuit breaks with both being set to the same speed and direction to pass locomotives between the two. Not the most elegant of solutions.
 
Software Tools said:
Breaks in one rail only is adequate. The other rail acts as a common return for both controllers and will work as long as both controllers are set to the same direction. Rough sketch below...

View attachment 337724ough sketch below....
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Yes I understand ‘common return’ . But it takes away a lot of flexibility in operation having 2 controllers, should have double rail disconnect and double feed connections. That way trains cane be driven in opposite direction both sections. Think passing station with trains approaching each way. A separate switched section for each loop and each side of the station. Both enter the station then both depart thus both are going opposite way with opposing polarity. Yes it is more wiring but a choice of what one would like to do makes the difference. We call it ‘cab control’ in the UK and it does make things work so well.
 
dunnyrail said:
trains cane be driven in opposite direction both sections. Think passing station with trains approaching each way. ... Both enter the station then both depart thus both are going opposite way with opposing polarity. Yes it is more wiring but a choice of what one would like to do makes the difference.
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there is an easier way (at least for automated DC analogue traffic)
just flip around the plus and minus cables to the motor of half of the locos. (have done that only with old locos, without electronics inside)
 
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