Test/Programming Track/Feeders

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi group,

I have two questions for you. 1. Do most of you use a separate test/programming track or do you use a block on your layout? 2. When connecting track feeders, do you solder the feeders directly to the bus wires or do you run them to a terminal strip which the bus wires are connected to? (DCC -HO)

Thanks, Paul

2

Paul,

Let’s start with the Test/Programming track. These are really 2 different things. Some DCC systems have a ‘programming track’, other do not. I have a Digitrax system and have a ‘programming track’: This is for ‘programming’ decoders, and there is not enough power to ‘run’ an engine. Mine is made out of some Bachmann EZ Track and is by the work bench. I also have a ‘test track’: It is wired to the main track bus and I can ‘test run’ engines on it(it is on the work bench). It is about 5’ long(Bachmann EZ Track again).

My feeders are soldered to the rails, and I use Scotch-Lock IDC connectors to attach the feeders to the bus. I have 8 sets of bus wires that are connected to a terminal strip so that I can ‘trouble shoot’ a problem if it happens.

Jim Bernier

3

Hi Paul,

My program track is built into the layout. It is actually a siding in my engine service facility. I have it on a switch so that I can run an engine in under power and then flip the switch over to program mode. When it is in program mode there is a dead section of track that stops the possibility of a powered loco bridging the gap and blowing out the program electronics in the command station.

I solder my feeders to the bus. I like soldering and don’t want to spend the money on the terminal strips.

4

Paul,

My set up is much like Jims with a seperate programing track on a slide out shelf under the layout but close to the command and transformer centers. Seemed safer that way. I have a DC test track on my workbench.

I also used IDC (insulation displacement connectors or “Scotchlocks”) to join the feeders to the buss loop to allow easy changes and not have bare wire dangling under the layout. Hope that helps. J.R.

5

I use a programming track that is part of the layout. Joe Fugate had a neat cuircut in an older thread. It isolates the programming track while you program engines.

I solder wire drops to the track and bus. Every piece of track has a drop, no problems with power.

Dave

6

I use a separate programming track with feeders that run directly into my Digitrax DCC system. When my engine servicing facility is done I plan on using one of the outside storage tracks beside the roundhouse for programming loco’s. I’m thinking of wiring some toggle switches so I can have both track and programming power to it. After a loco is programmed I’ll flick a switch disconnecting the programming power and flick another enabling track power, that way I can just drive it on to the turntable without ever touching it. When its not being used I’ll keep a box car on it full of lubricants for the roundhouse or maybe a flat car loaded with wheels.