I’m using MERG current sensing block detectors on a smaller ho-scale shelf layout. I have a couple of blocks that have multiple feeders.
So, I’m going to need to run a sub-bus that’ll feed through a block detector before connecting to the main bus.
The layout is ~14’ long, the main bus splits in two directions in the middle (one section is 5.5’ another is 9’).
The main bus is 16 AWG stranded-core. My feeders are 22 AWG solid-core. The coil on the MERG block detector can’t accommodate properly my 16 AWG, I can’t fit the wire through the coil more than once, which likely isn’t enough. The 22 AWG fits well and is what I intended to use through the detectors.
Two options I was considering….
Using 22 AWG wire as a sub-bus over distances of ~3.5’ max.
Use 16 AWG wire as a sub-bus for 90% of the length with a small ~6” length of 22 AWG going through the sensor before joining the main bus.
Will either of these be fine in my situation? I’m assuming the second option is the better one? Would ~6” of 22 AWG as a “choke” point before joining the main bus be fine? I imagine it’d cause negligible amounts of voltage-drop/resistance?
Vac, I’m certainly no electrical theory expert, but I did just as you describe in your second option when constructing my staging yard. Each track has soldered rail connectors and 2-3 drops each of 22g. solid wire going to a short length of 22 g. solid thru a teamdigital bloc8 (not sure they are available anymore) which is then connected to the main bus. Haven’t experienced any noticeable drop in performance and has worked bullet proof for 12+ years.
it’s not likely that the sub-bus will carry much current. Doubt it really needs to be 16g wire. Why else would MERG select a coil that doesn’t accomodate such large wire.
i would have thought you’d locate the detector where it’s output is needed and run the sub-bus from that location