how do you wire a layout with two power supplies? where you have the train run from one power pack over a electic isolation block and in to the othere power pack, with out the engine conecting the two power supplies?
It’s called cab control and it is a bit complex to explain here–try the following link:
http://www.trains.com/Content/Dynamic/Articles/000/000/001/310arewb.asp
I run cab control and once you understand the basics, which aren’t much to learn your all set. You’ll find this isn’t rocket surgery.
thanks Jetrock, that website is rely handy i think i will go start my wiring now!!!
The concept is pretty simple to understand, but looks very complicated if trying to explain it all in an email. I suggest you get a Kalmbach book on wiring your layout. Good explanations and illustrations to help you understand and do it.
Good luck!
ok now i am confused.
let me make my problem clear. fist off o have two loops both have reversing ways in them. the two ways ate conected to gether…
does this help with the decription???
basicly it’s 2 loops with the two reversing branches conected to gether to make a teer drop form then the two ways are conected.
easy, switch to DCC
One power pack to each loop, and insulated rail joiners between the loops where the connecting track is. As long as the two power packs are set for the same direction of travel and close to the same speed, a train should be able to cross over from one loop to the other with no shorting or other problems. We do this all the time on the Cochise & Western Model Railroad Club’s 20x40 foot HO scale layout, where there are 8 different cab controls when we are running on DC power. The same holds true for DCC power.
Wrong! Kimosabe.
DCC has to respect polarity in reverse loops too.
Current use of Two cabs is via ‘Common Rail’ (Gaps in one rail) and double throw (Cab A Cab B) toggle switches, except for reversing loops. which require DPDT and gaps in BOTH rails.
Don G, me think’em DCC and reversem loop much easier, automatic with simple mrc reverser and chep($35.) no toggle’em switches.
you people are not answering my QUESTION!!!
cacole you do that and you really are shorting out the two packs!!!
and i already know dcc has to respect track polarity!!!
I just want to know how to switch a train from one power supply to anothere with out stopping the train and not cacole’s way.
you will have to switch the power pack BEFORE the train enter’s the block you are trying to control…trying to switch with the train in the block will cause a sudden jerk or a short if the other power pack’s polarity is wrong…I wire the two power packs to a DPDT switch (or if you wire for common rail a SPDT switch) then to the block that i want to control…you can’t go from one power pack to another while the train is in that particular block…what you are asking is how a train goes onto another section of track or a at a crossover right?..line up the blocks on one power pack with the DPDT switch and enter the block.on one power pack…after you are in the block line up the next block with whatever power pack you want to run the train in…Chuck[:D]
If that’s ALL you want to do - on the face of it - set both power paks to match each other: Same polarity (direction) and same voltage. When the engine crosses the gaps, no problems. Some clubs use this and it’s handing off an engine to another operator.
Same principle going into and out of Reversing loops except both rails have to be gapped. Train enters an independent DPDT controlled block - and the power control to the rest of the layout is reversed.
Don Gibson you are telling me the same thing as cacole!!!
Trust me i know how to wire reversing loops and everything just not witching a train from one loop with one powerpack to anothere loop with anothere power PACK.
I may go with DCC just to avoid the power pack problem, i know that reversing loops in DCC need special wiring.
I ALREADY KNOW!!!
You people are treating me like a litttle child.
Chompers,
Kalmbach has a very good book called “Easy Modeling Railroad Wiring” (Or something like that) by Andy Sperandeo. It covers “DC block control” very well and most other aspects of MRR wiring including DCC. I’ve found it very helpful.
[:)]
They are not trying to treat you like a child – they are answering the question they (and I) thought you asked. I will see if I can help (after designing radar systems for 37 years, I almost know how DC voltage works):
- connect 1 power pack to a section of track. Using a voltmeter, set the polarity and voltage to some value (+3.2 volts for example)
- connect another power pack to another section of track and set the polarity and voltage to the same value
- place the sections of track end to end with a small gap for isolation
- put an engine on one section and it will travel down the track onto the the second section – THE ENGINE WILL CONNECT THE 2 PACKS TOGETHER AS IT CROSSES THE GAP BUT IT WON’T SHORT EITHER PACK OUT OR AFFECT THE ENGINE. It will simply continue on down the track.
Now, if you are through throwing your little fit about being treated like a child, give it a try. By the way, going to DCC will not change anything as far as whether the engine shorts out the 2 sections or not - it just gets treated differently if you have the right equipment in place to control it.
sorry about the little child thing.[:(] .[
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it’s just that after five months of asking the question no one could answer my question. i needed to know how to wire the track to finish my layout. MY Parents are geting very tired of the mess in the backyard and are starting to get very agrivated about it. so i really needed to know how to wire the track.
Sorry Chompers
WE don’t know what you know - or don’t. (Answers given based on your questions.)
Since you know “everything” …OK., You’re the one with the problem.
The book on Cab control (2 power paks) that’s been suggested might be a good place to start. Perhaps they can answer your questions. - maybe even have a ‘Child’s edition’
Don G
I didn’t use “Everything” meaning i have all knowledge. i ment that i knew how to wire reversing loops, ways, blocks… maybe you miss under stood my responce.
listen im not trying to make any enemies!!! just got a little frusterated thats all.
P.S. did you read my last responce??? i said i was sorry. and “child’s edition” NOT FUNNY!!!