DCC - Electrical

Walthers turnouts machines and switches

I am looking at getting some walthers turnout machines for my layout and since I am a college student I am wanting to save where I can. The button/switch that you push to tell the machine to switch the turnout is around $15 and I was wondering that if I could replace that with a simple switch such as an SPDT (Or other switch if that's what will work better).

DCC decoders and light bulbs

This morning I went to the parts cabinets and rounded up some resistors and Miniatronics 15 ma bulbs and some 1/4 watt axial resistors. I used my DC power supply set to 12 volts. I don’t like big surprises.

I found that by experimentation the power for a pair of bulbs in parallel was enough to make me want to let go of the 90 Ohm resistor quickly. A lot of heat. A small surprise. The heat generated by a single bulb through a 180 Ohm resistor was quite warm and I was barely able to hold onto the resistor. The resistor size was chosen by light intensity.

Simple block occupancy Detector for DCC (N Scale)

Hi Folks:

Im looking for some simple block occupancy detectors that I can build myself. Between signaling and crossing gates etc, im gonna need a bunch and the NCE BD20 at 13 - 15 bux is kinda  out of my price range.  IM looking for something coil type that will output like closing a toggle switch -- so I can use it to input to the NCE Mini Panel -- im having a bit of an issue getting some of the manufacturers to respond to me, and would really like to just be able to buy the PC board and solder it up myself.

Roger Litwiller's picture

Looking for suggestions!

This is my first attempt at designing a control panel. Looking for feedback on design, layout and functionality. 

SCL =Standard Car Length. 

The printed card will be covered with plexiglass. The mainline crossover turnouts (1 & 6) will be wired to a single switch to throw both turnouts together. 

Wiring for Peco Insulfrog Code 83 turnouts for single crossovers...

What is the correct wiring for Peco Code 83 Insulfrog turnouts for single crossovers. Do you put insulated rail joiners between the 2 facing turnouts? How do you then wire for feeders beyond the frogs when they are mated to each other? Probably making this harder than it is. I understand the method for sifdings and yard ladders. How is this wired? Thanks!

  Patrick Waltz

Some Thoughts About DCC Decoder Installation

In addition to Jason Miller’s excellent article in this month’s Running Extra, I’d like to add another avenue of shared expertise.  This weekend SoundTraxx announced their 8 function 21-pin DCC decoder and just recently ESU announced their new non-sound DCC Decoders.  I follow the YouTube and have watched decoder installations fairly critically.

Wiring Plan for Reverse Loop- Review Request

Hello!

I am attempting my first wiring of a PSX-AR and PSX for an HO reverse loop. I would really appreciate if some of you pros could take a look at my plans and let me know what you think. 

A couple of questions: Are the gaps correct? Is a gap at G4 needed? And is the PSX-AR really installed outside of the loop, while the PSX is installed inside? Thank you! -L

railandsail's picture

Digitrax Equipment

I was rooting thru some misc items in my model railroad inventory and ran across 3 Digitrax items I have a question about? (let me say up front I am brand new to DCC subjects and know very little about the subject).

The first item is a command station DCS100. It looks to be brand new, and  it has a label on the front face that says 8amp, rather than the 5 amps I see on most images on the internet? And that label appears to be factory?? Is this something different?

Human.c.ity Junction's picture

28 || DCC Control Update || Adding JMRI and Networking to Digikeijs DR5000

This video is an update of episode 2, Portable DCC Control Box Build. In this episode, I am going to introduce you to how I have integrated JMRI into my DCC configuration.

 

Here is episode 2.

Central Location for Electronics

All,

I'm getting ready to start benchwork on an around the room HO scale layout that is island style, except for a yard and hidden staging section which will be up against one wall. I'm planning to start construction with the staging yard.

I was planing on building an electronics rack on full length drawer guides under the staging yard (or a cabinet) since this wall has three available receptacles on a 20A GFCI protected circuit.


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