I am currently building a layout from Atlas King Size Layout Book and would like to use DCC. Can anyony tell me how to set up DCC with the contrlooers and selectors?
Do I have to wire the track in blocks?
Please supply info.
If you’re going to be using DCC exclusively, you don’t need to use selectors or controllers at all.
No, that’s the joy of DCC, no more blocks(unless you have a reverse loop, wye or turntable). The only thing you really have to worry about is isolating the frogs on your turnouts, depending of what brand of turnouts you’re using. Basically if the turnout has a plastic frog, don’t worry about it. If it has a metal frog, go ahead and install plastic rail joiners on the frog ends of the turnout. If you’ve already laid any track, cut the rail just outside the frog with a Dremel motor tool or a razor saw, then glue a small piece of styrene with CA (super glue) in the gap. Once it’s dry, file it to the shape of the rail. If you need more info. or you have have any questions let me know. I hope I didn’t confuse you in any way. Sorry it took so long for a reply.
I use a standard DC power pack for all my Atlas controllers. I also use their snap relays for signals associated with my turnouts.
I also have over a hundred feet of track and sixteen turnouts, and I do not separate any of it into blocks. Although, using blocks with DCC can simplify trouble shooting by allowing you to isolate smaller sections of your layout.
Phrank,
How/why in the world did you dredge up and respond to a post that is nearly 5 years old?
Tom
With DCC you don’t need them. You can wire in ‘blocks’, usually referred to as power districts, to aid in debugging, and to help isolate shorts, and prevent them from bringing down the whole layout. This http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/467545/ShowPost.aspx thread is long, but it has a lot of good info in it to help guide you.
How/why did you dredge up and respond to a post that is nearly 5 years old?
Rats! I wish I’d noticed that. By now this is long since resolved.
If you are sure you intend to use DCC, than you will not have to use the block method. All you will needto be aware of is reverse loops or a Y that runs back on it,s self. Do you have the plan number and i’m sure some of us can advise you on any of this two conditions.