RHJ Rail DC Layout Operated by DCC Run

RHJ Rail DC Layout Operated by DCC Run your track, not your train February 16, 2021 1

Remember This? Ø Santa Car presentation Ø Original Santa Car wiring diagram – runs DC unit (no decoder) from DCC 2

Start making changes Ø Now, let’s get rid of a lot of stuff Ø Car, wheels, notes, and, alas, Santa 3

Remove components from plan Ø This is what we’re left with Ø Not particularly useful, but gives a starting point DCC Track on layout DCC 4

Now, start building Ø Replace low-power decoder with something better – Digitrax DH 126 (1. 5 amp. 2 amp peak) Ø Programme decoder to unique address if desired (a 4 -digit number not used elsewhere) DCC Track on layout DCC 5

Add DCC components Ø Now add DCC source or connect to existing DCC layout bus Ø Ensure DC Layout Section is entirely separate from any DCC layout DC Track Ø Recommended: ü Keep thin decoder wires as short as possible ü Use heavier (22, 24) gauge to connect to tracks and DCC bus DC decoder MOTOR output 0 – 12 VDC reversible; 1. 5 amp max DCC decoder input DCC bus 6

Add DCC components Ø Now add DCC control Ø Now have working DC track; can run any DC unit with no decoder installed DC Track Note that DC track (unlike DCC) is NOT POWERED until throttle is turned up DC decoder MOTOR output DCC decoder input DCC bus 7

Can now run DC unit Ø Now add DC locomotive (no decoder) Ø Select decoder address on throttle – “ 03” if not programmed otherwise DC Track If problems arise, quickly turn throttle off DC decoder MOTOR output DCC decoder input DCC bus 8

Safety First Ø Circuit below will work just fine if there are no short-circuits Ø Current-limiting could be added as shown but is probably not needed for simple track only DC Track DC decoder MOTOR output Short-circuit protection could be added here DCC Specialties PSX 1 Circuit Breaker for 1 District Can be set as low as 1. 27 amps (ideal for DH 126) (see references at end of presentation) DCC decoder input DCC bus 9

Test set-up Ø Test set-up proves it works; DCC throttle drives DC unit Ø Red/black wires for DCC in; orange/gray wires for DC out 10

Construct DC layout section Ø Can store additional DC locos on siding(s) or spurs; but only run one at-a-time Ø Can set up industrial switching area, back-and-forth running, circle of track, or anything else Ø Use Peco power-routing turnouts with no insulated gaps to power spurs when set to “thrown” Ø Design your own layout section using standard techniques for blocks, gaps, whatever you need Spur DC unit (no decoder) Spur Main Line Passing siding DC Layout - Controlled by DCC Toggle switch 11

DC on DCC Ø Do not exceed decoder limits Ø Recommended: ü DO NOT connect DC layout section to DCC layout ü Can have multiple DC locos on spurs, sidings, available to run (one at a time) ü Use toggle switches for “blocks” as needed; switch both wires ü Store any DC loco on any section turned off Spur DC unit (no decoder) Spur Santa makes cameo appearance Spur Main Line Passing siding DC Layout - Controlled by DCC Toggle switch 12

DC on DCC Ø Now we can run a DC locomotive (no decoder) with a regular DCC throttle Ø Great for switching districts, isolated layout sections, demonstration layouts Ø Just select the decoder address on your throttle Ø Run a loco on the separate section of track, as complicated as you like Ø Be very careful not to run onto main DCC layout from isolated DC section Ø Can use for testing locos before installing decoder Ø Power is limited to decoder output Ø To run units with heavy power demands (e. g. old brass), could use G-scale decoder 13

DC on DCC - Summary Ø Switch engine or four-axel unit is ideal Ø Could run two units, one powered and one dummy, or 6 -axel unit if DC layout section is large enough Ø Can have sidings with isolating (power-routing) turnouts so several DC locos can be stored Ø Shorter four-axel locos can negotiate sharper turnouts Ø Can have multiple locos available, just run one at-a-time Ø Current draw is probably quite low: slow speed, single unit, few cars, quality loco (!) Ø If the track is not protected by a circuit breaker, be careful not to cause shorts Ø Could have facilities for measuring loco current draw – subject for another presentation 14

Follow-Up Ø Thanks for your interest Ø Any questions can be directed to RHJ Rail Ø More to come. . . 15

References DC Track DCC Specialties PSX 1 Circuit Breaker for 1 District - can be set as low as 1. 27 amps (ideal for DH 126) DC decoder MOTOR output Short-circuit protection could be added here https: //dcchobbysupply. com/zcart/index. php? main_page=product_info&c. Path =7_58&products_id=369&zenid=e 1 klf 1 p 3 mns 36 jpj 7 ljlbbfui 7 DCC decoder input https: //www. homemade-circuits. com/universal-high-watt-led-current-limiter/ https: //mrr. trains. com/news-reviews/staff-reviews/2007/06/dcc-specialties-psx-circuit-breaker DCC bus 16