Larry Sr. Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 (edited) I would appreciate feedback about my DCS plan for the outer loop with three isolated sections of track. this is LGB brass track R 3 switches and split jaw clamps. all wire is 12 ga low voltage landscape wire. it is 105 feet with 30 feet of side track. my drawing is not very professional but the best I can do. I have read Joe's post and Ray's well written ideas. I still don't have a real good grip on D.C. Two rail. I hope to show you the inner loop when ever I get this pass you.lol Any help good bad what ever is welcomed. Larry Edited June 6, 2017 by Larry Sr. spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 6, 2017 Author Share Posted June 6, 2017 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 Yes add the Jumper at the top. For the isolated sections, with a Protosound 2 or 3 engine it will look for a TIU Startup signal (aka watchdog signal) when track power is applied. If it doesn't get that startup signal the engine will auto power-up assuming you plan to run in Analog track power mode. Operation when track power is applied with no TIU/Watchdog startup signal: - PS2 engine: - DC power: Engine will power up and motors will start running at track voltage. You won't have time to use remote to set engine into Command control mode so you can control with remote as it will take off running. - AC power: Engine will power up but motors will not run. (Just like in O gauge) waiting for analog commands. You can use remote to set engine into Command control mode so you can control with remote. - PS3 engine: - DC or AC power: Engine will power up but motors will not run. (Just like in O gauge) waiting for analog commands. You can use remote to set engine into Command control mode so you can control with remote. If you want the engine to see a TIU startup signal, you can do what I do and that is to add a DCS Remote Commander box to each siding (run a set of wires from the remote commander box to the siding wiring) so a startup signal is generated on power up. That keeps the engine shut down and ready for remote commands with no other effort. I have those boxes available if you like. You will want 1 box per isolated section. Since you will be running DC power and your engines are PS2 then you will really need to go with remote commander boxes. Even if they were PS3, I personally prefer to have the boxes in place so the engines dont power up, but you can do without them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 6, 2017 Author Share Posted June 6, 2017 OK Ray has taken out one issue the (aka watchdog signal) . We have DCS Remote Commander boxes on the way. Now does anyone see any other problems in this? Anything. I'm really trying not to cover all this wire up with dirt , weed barrier and crushed rock and then find out I screwed up. Tonight I hope to draw the inner loop and post to see if you all think there is a issue. Again, thanks for any type of feed back Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 How many linear feet is the oval/layout again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 6, 2017 Author Share Posted June 6, 2017 Ray The out side run is 105 feet. Add the sidings about another 24 feet. HOWEVER I'm only about 60 feet from my train room and , well ? I expect (copy Joe) soon after this is all done I''ll be adding that much more. It will be pre wired for that Right now I'm not doing it. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 6, 2017 Share Posted June 6, 2017 ok for 105 feet what you have will be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 Here is the Inner loop for any advice. Thanks Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 That looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 Thanks Ray I'm beginning to think you and me are the only ones on the forum. By the way I received that 220-RM this AM. All I can say is WOW! Thanks Mike. It's going to be a nice addition to this project. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 You are asking very specific questions about wiring for a DCS layout which is something I have spent a good number of hours doing methodical testing to arrive at the recommendations I have. There really aren't many who have done that. With that power supply you can run each loop on a dedicated throttle and have each loop be on it's own TIU channel and do each in Passive mode. http://www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Tips.htm#Use_of_TIU_to_provide_signal_to_track:__Normal_vs_Passive_mode Only other item we may see if you have the Fixed 1 Channel powered up with one throttle and you apply power to the Fixed 2 channel with the other throttle at a later time, the second channel may not send the TIU start up signal (because it's DC power and because it's already powered up. If it doesn't send the startup signal later you may need 1 more DCS commander box to put on Fixed 2 channel, but lets see how it goes. You will have a very nice setup with excellent equipment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 "You are asking very specific questions about wiring for a DCS layout which is something I have spent a good number of hours doing methodical testing to arrive at the recommendations I have. There really aren't many who have done that. " Believe me , I certainly understand that from reading so much of your information. And I am appreciative of you taking the time to answer me here on the forum. DCS to is still like fuzzy math sometimes. Thanks again. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 You do not need my input .... I'll watch from the sidelines... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 Good one Sean. I usually do the same thing in O gauge except here I don't really know exactly what I'm doing. DC, 2 rail and then add DCS. You would think I want punishment of the brain. lol It's still a fun, new and challenging project for a old retired guy. Larry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 I have had opportunities to work on large O gauge deployments and have found that the layout deployment principles to be the same. (continuous loops, dont break into isolated zones etc). I know that goes against what has historically been recommended (ie having 100ft max zones etc) but I have validated my recommendations through testing. So in this case I wouldn't look at O gauge as any different. The one thing that will be different is how the PS2 boards operate under DC power vs AC. In O gauge in AC you are used to the engines staying put if they miss a signal, in DC they don't and that is really the only difference. (outside of the fact that for 2 rail, power polarity to the PS2 board becomes an issue and requires a polarity switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yardtrain Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 So Ray. Let me ask you for clarity. If a One Gauge PS2 engine is run on DCS - AC current it will not run away ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Yes that is correct. For engines that miss the TIU startup signal on AC power, correct. The motors won't activate and the engine won't move. (It will still power up with sound and smoke depending on how the analog controls are set on the engine.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share Posted June 8, 2017 Hi All While continuing to work and figure out wiring I have another question. The LGB 51755 Momentary Control Box requires AC power to operate my 7 switches. Additionally other LGB accessories also require AC. Currently the way I read the manual on my Bridgewerks 220 does not give me the availability of AC power. I also have a new MRC Powers G 10 AMP that's worthless for AC power according to the manual . 1. SO, can I use one of my USA Power 10 transformers that does provide AC out for nothing but dedicated AC power? 2. AND, would it interfere with my DCS operation? Again thanks for any help Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted June 8, 2017 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Ok yes that Bridgewerks power supply does not appear to have AC outputs. You can use the USA power supply to provide the AC power you need to the switches with no problem. It's all separate wiring from what you're doing on the track rails themselves so you are good. It won't interfere with the DCS operation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry Sr. Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share Posted June 8, 2017 Outstanding! Thanks Ray Larry PS I got the 3 boxes today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.