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Video: How to wire a model train layout for Digital Command Control (DCC) part III: Feeder wires and system testing
hmm… did not like this video… it did not follow thru with the title of the video… (how to) “not” how to (Already) done, and let Cody see… i need to know “HOW TO” wire… Thanks anyways for the attempt.
I agree with Mr. Wood. I learned nothing from this video at all. All three videos on this subject really skirts the issue of “how to” pretty much all together. Now Cody, if you knew nothing about DCC and it’s installation, do you really think these videos would help you do an installation? No way.
What is the max. distance between track feeder wires
These are not ‘how to’ snipets. They explain nothing. There is no information at all for anyone looking for a little tip. They just explain why, not how. C’mon guys.
I also need to know how to wire DCC, did not learn anything
in this video. MR try again please.
Your Video’s on how to wire DCC is worthless. I have a 20 year old layout that I want to convert and these tell me nothing!
There are MANY soft-cover books available that explain AND show by way of many illustrations, how to wire your layout for DCC. What David has shown in his “How To” short video is more for those who have “read” these books/articles, and/or, for those who have already wired a layout for DC. If you have zero experience with wiring, then step number 1 is to purchase any of the fine books available, and this will give you a great starting point. I agree with comments above, a "How To video needs to demonstrate start to finish and should demonstrate the following: Sizes of wire and “why”, how to run your wire, what types of connectors are available including soldering, what NOT to do, solid wire vs stranded, and so on.
Enjoyed your videos and your new system looks really awsome. I also am returning to the hobby after many decades and am in the process of research and design of my N scale layout which I hope to build as DCC. I feel I need to start off much simpler so I bought the Bachman EZ Command system as sort of “training wheels” until I learn more about the more expensive DCC systems. I hope that my assumption is correct that I can upgrade relatively smoothly from the Bachman system to a more advanced one when I’m ready. Also I would appreciate any feed back on older Atlas DC engines and thier modification to DCC, or should I consider some sort of hybrid layout using both DC and DCC?
Maybe parts 4, 5, and 6 could deal with these issues. Thanks
this is not telling me about DCC wiring.I am starting a layout.
I’m a begginer. Just bought an EZ Command DCC yesterday. Have learned many things from your videos but these 3 DCC ones were a dud. You guys can do better.
This series of “How to wire a model train layout for…DCC” is woefully insufficient in relation to what the title promises.
Buzz Nilsson
I agree with Richards comments about the need for more detailed videos. I am new to the hobby and don’t always find these videos very helpful. I would rather learn quick tips from instructional videos rather then reading.
I have to echo the others comments as to these videos were appetizers not the full meal. I too am coming back to MR from a long time away (50 years) and much has changed. So, in this specific video it talks about feeder wires. Ok, but how many feeder wires do I need? Is there a standard? Say, for an HO set, you need a feeder wire for every “X” number of feet. How long of runs can you have?
Looking forward to some answers.
I have seen all of these videos as part of the video extras and series that were part of Model Railroader newsletter. Where are the new videos? Where are the ones that you promised in all of the very slick advertising.
SHould be titles “Video of what we completed” Not “How To…” You spent more time showing how to flip the switch to turn the system on than you did even talking about the feeder wires let alone showing how to instal, where to install, why to install, etc…
This video does not tell me very much useful info. I need how to information
The 3 videos on DCC wiring are absolutely a BIG disappointment! I was expecting a fairly detailed presentation from a railroad modeling magazine.
For example: how do you determine and isolate different blocks or districts on a layout? How how do you wire a DCC unit from the ac supply to the track? How about circuit breakers and current reverser switches? How do you put on a decoder programming track? These are but a few of the t topics I was looking for information on how to do.
DCC has become the way to realistically operate a layout today. It would seem that you would take he time and expertise to have a series on wiring DCC from taking the components out of the box to installing a decoder and programming it on the layout program track, to finally running the engine.
I guess what I am asking for is a video version of Larry Puckett’s book on how to wire a Dcc layout. Now, that would be a worthwile and challenging video series!
I, and it appears many others, feel that a detailed series somewhat like the one that I have described is expected from a professional and dedicated magazine such as Model Railroader. I realize it would be a lot of work. Are you capable of doing it? Do you accept the challenge?
Please give this serious consideration.
Hey guys,
Sorry, but I was completely unaware of the comments thread on these videos. You bet, they are not “how to” as much as “how we did.” Keep in mind, these videos are more than 5 years old at this point, and they were made well before we launched our full-time video magazine, MR Video Plus, so we were still learning. Do tend to do things much better these days.
But, you also bring up a good point - we need to produce a detailed video about installing a DCC system on an existing larger layout, explaining how to divide everything into power districts, and all of the other great stuff with installing a DCC system. Kent and I have talked it through, and we hope to bring you the series you’re looking for in the coming year.
Until then, Larry’s book is a great resource.
Best wishes in the new year.
David
That would be a fantastic video David! I am just getting back into the hobby and DCC is totally new to me. It’s been very difficult to find that kind of information. I purchased the book Basic DCC Wiring but unfortunately it wasn’t much help at all.