Track Power, how do I......

PorknBeanr

PorknBeanr

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Can someone explain the correct way to power two different lines not connected by track from the same DCC controller. I that possible?
Im not very savvy with electricity.
thanks for your help
Brent
 
I think all you need to do is connect the two unconnected sets of rail to each other with a cable link.
 
PorknBeanr said:
Thanks, I was thinking a jumper wire between the two. Makes sense
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It may also be worthwhile depending on the size of your railway to think about more than just one set of jumpers. However as there is no concept of +and - to AC I find it worthwhile to think about Outer and Inner Rail. To be sure you get things right (I prefer Black wire) it is worthwhile cutting a small sheet or red insulation for the outer wire in case of mixing wires during installation.
 
dunnyrail said:
However as there is no concept of +and - to AC
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There is, Jon, but it's way above my pay grade :oops:

Phil or Greg could explain it :nod::nod::nod:

But for us mere mortals, you're right, stick to red and black (or blue and brown) and don't mix the two ;)
 
For two isolated tracks, it does not matter, but if you stick to a convention, should you ever decide to link the tracks, one less thing to think about.

It will also make fault-finding easier..
I would suggest you have an easy way to isolate each track.
That way, if you have a problem, you can easily find on which 'half' of the layout it is.

PhilP
 
PhilP said:
I would suggest you have an easy way to isolate each track.
That way, if you have a problem, you can easily find on which 'half' of the layout it is.

PhilP
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Indeed so, I normally suggest that also effectively putting in track sections to ease fault finding. On a small layout not many required but most helpful even with a small but double track line.
 
Hi Brent,
Yep, we nearly bought a house in Wildomar before settling on a property just off Gird Road, Fallbrook.
Let me know if I can be any further help.
 
Hi Brent and Greg,

It would be great to meet up. I guess I am almost midway between you both.
So if you agree we can sort out a date towards the end of January early Feb, and you can both come to me for a beer ( or whatever ) and a sandwich one day.
Let me know if you like the idea.

Mike.
 
Mike Bett said:
Hi Brent and Greg,

It would be great to meet up. I guess I am almost midway between you both.
So if you agree we can sort out a date towards the end of January early Feb, and you can both come to me for a beer ( or whatever ) and a sandwich one day.
Let me know if you like the idea.

Mike.
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Sounds great! Looking forward.
 
Back to the 2 separate tracks for power. I would run wires from the command station separately to each track. This will minimize/almost eliminate power drops.
 
Dan said:
Back to the 2 separate tracks for power. I would run wires from the command station separately to each track. This will minimize/almost eliminate power drops.
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Good idea, also if there are issues you can disconnect one track and see if the fault still exists or not thus reducing fault finding time.
 
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