DCS wiring question

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I just bought an MTH Shay and the DSC system. I understand I need to wire this in a " spider web " form. Question is, if I run others loops nearby on the DCS system, do they all need by wired with the spider web form? Thanks much, Jake

2

Fred, I don’t have DCS, in fact, I am just getting started with TMCC, so the information I have is from having read and asked lots of questions. First, I was told to use a “star” pattern in that you have feeders that should be equidistant from the DCS base. Another point was to make sure that you only have 6 connections between blocks, regardless if they are real short filler pieces, or long pieces. The OGR forum has a specific area with suggestions on DCS. Hate to direct someone elsewhere as this is a great site, but they do have a lot of information. Also, OGR I believe it was two runs ago, has a great tips/tricks for both TMCC and DCS. At least for me, that one article was worth the subscription for the year.

Dennis

3

What is OGR? Thanks much, Jake

4

As DENNIS said use the star pattern. Make sure you use at least 16 ga. paired wiring for all you connections to your track, and you’ll have no problems. Good Luck.

laz57

5

Fred,

I use DCS on several loops. Each loop is wired in a star pattern. I usually connect at least a 16 gauge wire about every 12 connections on the track.

You can always try it out first and see how well it work, prior to rewiring it. If you do not plan on running DCS to the other loops, then they do not need to be wired in a star pattern.

Chris

6

I’m running DCS and TMCC. I ran all my lockons back to the buss bar. Except, for a few sidings. I just tapped into another siding wire I had run [to keep from making so many long runs back to buss bar]. Getting track signal of 9 and 10 all around and no problem what so ever.

7

Are you planning on using DCS on ALL your loops? If so, then yes, each loop should be wired with a star patteren. Remember the TIU has 4 outputs, so you can have 4 loops or 4 blocks with DCS.

Also the equal lenght of wire is for the Plus and Minus (center rail, outside rail) side of the feeder. Each feeder can be different lenghts, just keep both wires about the same lenght.

tom

8

I’m running some 1666’s on some of the other loops, but might as well wiring for DCS as I’m sure I’ll end up there with them sooner or later, Jake