Here's a trick I have used since first Dymo made embossed labels and now
with new label makers. I have not used it on a layout, but have labeled
wires coming into a power strip, i.e. PC, Printer, monitor, TV, DVD, cable
box.

Feed an extra length of tape at the beginning. I use spaces. Then I type the
name of the destination. Before I peel off the backing, I fold the label
over on itself making a crease at the beginning of the name. I remove the
backing and place the crease around the wire, so it is square to its length,
and touch the backs of the tape together.

This way when I go behind the PC desk or entertainment center I know what
wire to pull to disconnect a piece of equipment.

On a layout, this practice, not necessarily my method, would apply in an
area where a number of wires may need to be disconnected at one time, i.e.
control panel, module separation.

A cheap method it to use Scotch brand Magic Tape. You can write on the tape
with a pencil or marker.

This tape is unique. You can write on it in pencil and then erase it. Pull
the tape from the roll and it is cloudy, but when applied to a surface it
becomes clear. It makes any surface it is applied to writeable.

Glenn

Our club layout has a variety of schemes used to label the track bus wires. 
Some of it dates back to the DC days, when it was much more important to keep
the wires straight.

In general, color codes are kept consistent for the wire's function, so I know
if I'm getting a 12V power or DCC track lead.  When the wires get close to the
boosters and distribution panel, they start running through holes with the
corresponding number written above it.  As they get farther away, it becomes
obvious which wire goes where so they're usually not labeled.

One more note:  Since our track buses are black/white for the main line and
black/green for industries and secondary tracks, I like to wrap electrical tape
around the black wire to indicate which black wire corresponds with which
colored wire.

Puckdropper

--- In WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com, "scaletone" <scaletone@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All
>
> What does everybody do to number there wires under the layout? I have tried
some stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it is just not good enough
and I will have a lot of wires really soon.
>
> Is there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers, any
suggesions welcome
>
> Regards
>
> Anthony J
>

I have a little different approach that I borrowed from NTrak.  I color code
my wires based on functionality.  I also take advantage of Power Districts
to keep wires from going all over.  While my home layout is not modular, I
used several modular techniques to keep the wiring simple.  Since I do not
have a control panel, I use the computer and JMRI for that, I do not need to
run wires for occupancy LEDs or things like that. But again, I would look at
color codes instead of numbers, because tags can fall off or fade, but the
colors stay.



Respectfully,



David



-----Original Message-----
From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of scaletone
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 6:21 PM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires





Hi All

What does everybody do to number there wires under the layout? I have tried
some stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it is just not good
enough and I will have a lot of wires really soon.

Is there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers,
any suggesions welcome

Regards

Anthony J





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Anthony,
yes I know what you mean. I'm setting up my small HO test layout before I build
my large N guage layout. I have 11 points(3 wires each) leading back to the 2
decoders along the way they get collected into a large loom. as soon as I ties
a couple together  I use these cable ties. Similarly for my 13 blocks and
14 signals, these wires get collected into a loom bck to the decoders. I also
make use of coloured cable ties. You can easily buy these Downunder in half a
dozen colours.
Cheers
VinP
Sydney Aust.
 
Vinicio (Vin) Pavincich
Ph: +61 2 9807 3371 Mob: +61 409 830 330
Email: vin.pavincich@...




________________________________
From: Anthony Hedges <scaletone@...>
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 16 December, 2009 3:08:41 PM
Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires

 
Hi Vin

This is the first time I have seen cable ties that you can label so that should
do the trick, just have loads of point wires I don't want to get mixed up,
thanks.

Regards

Anthony

____________ _________ _________ __
From: Vinicio Pavincich <vin.pavincich@ yahoo.com. au>
To: WiringForDCC@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, 16 December, 2009 1:57:04 PM
Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires

 
Anthony,
I use cable ties with tabs every so often (especially where there are many wires
in the loom) under the layout. These should be available from your electrical
hobby shop.
see URL below for picture of what I mean.
http://www.jaycar. com.au/productVi ew.asp?ID= HP1244&keywords= hp1244&form=
KEYWORD
Cheers
VinP
 
Vinicio (Vin) Pavincich
Ph: +61 2 9807 3371 Mob: +61 409 830 330
Email: vin.pavincich@ yahoo.com. au

____________ _________ _________ __
From: scaletone <scaletone@yahoo. com.au>
To: WiringForDCC@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, 16 December, 2009 1:21:17 PM
Subject: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires

 
Hi All

What does everybody do to number there wires under the layout? I have tried some
stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it is just not good enough and
I will have a lot of wires really soon.

Is there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers, any
suggesions welcome

Regards

Anthony J

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now: http://au.movies.
yahoo.com/ session-times/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now: http://au.movies.
yahoo.com/ session-times/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





      
________________________________________________________________________________\
__
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now:
http://au.movies.yahoo.com/session-times/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Vin

This is the first time I have seen cable ties that you can label so that should
do the trick, just have loads of point wires I don't want to get mixed up,
thanks.

Regards

Anthony




________________________________
From: Vinicio Pavincich <vin.pavincich@...>
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 16 December, 2009 1:57:04 PM
Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires

 
Anthony,
I use cable ties with tabs every so often (especially where there are many wires
in the loom) under the layout. These should be available from your electrical
hobby shop.
see URL below for picture of what I mean.
http://www.jaycar. com.au/productVi ew.asp?ID= HP1244&keywords= hp1244&form=
KEYWORD
Cheers
VinP
 
Vinicio (Vin) Pavincich
Ph: +61 2 9807 3371 Mob: +61 409 830 330
Email: vin.pavincich@ yahoo.com. au

____________ _________ _________ __
From: scaletone <scaletone@yahoo. com.au>
To: WiringForDCC@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, 16 December, 2009 1:21:17 PM
Subject: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires

 
Hi All

What does everybody do to number there wires under the layout? I have tried some
stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it is just not good enough and
I will have a lot of wires really soon.

Is there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers, any
suggesions welcome

Regards

Anthony J

____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now: http://au.movies.
yahoo.com/ session-times/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





      
________________________________________________________________________________\
__
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now:
http://au.movies.yahoo.com/session-times/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Anthony,
I use cable ties with tabs every so often (especially where there are many wires
in the loom) under the layout. These should be available from your electrical
hobby shop.
see URL below for picture of what I mean.
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HP1244&keywords=hp1244&form=KEYWORD
Cheers
VinP
 
Vinicio (Vin) Pavincich
Ph: +61 2 9807 3371 Mob: +61 409 830 330
Email: vin.pavincich@...




________________________________
From: scaletone <scaletone@...>
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 16 December, 2009 1:21:17 PM
Subject: [WiringForDCC] Numbering wires

 
Hi All

What does everybody do to number there wires under the layout? I have tried some
stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it is just not good enough and
I will have a lot of wires really soon.

Is there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers, any
suggesions welcome

Regards

Anthony J





      
________________________________________________________________________________\
__
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now:
http://au.movies.yahoo.com/session-times/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

All i have is the wiring buss     red for the outside  rail white for the
inside rail
for drop wires i tie a loop in the out side rail so you can see at a glance
  the O
meaning outside rail


In a message dated 12/15/2009 8:26:18 P.M. Central Standard Time,
scaletone@... writes:




Hi All

What does everybody do to number there wires under the  layout? I have
tried some stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it  is just not good
enough and I will have a lot of wires really soon.

Is  there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers,
any  suggesions welcome

Regards

Anthony J







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi All

What does everybody do to number there wires under the layout? I have tried some
stick on style tabs and numbered them myself but it is just not good enough and
I will have a lot of wires really soon.

Is there any numbering system that just clips on with ready made numbers, any
suggesions welcome

Regards

Anthony J

The Signaling Solution ones will detect DC or DCC



The Paisley design will not detect "conventional" DC but it will detect a DC
loco being run as Address "0" on a DCC layout.



From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Steven Haworth
Sent: Saturday, December 12, 2009 11:20 AM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Re: dcc, block detection and signaling





I don't know - I'm actually using Keller OnBoard, and they work flawlessly
w/ that. There's a VERY complete manual available for download on the site
- that should answer most of your questions.

- Steven Haworth
Rio Grande Southern RR site - http://rgsrr.home.comcast.net/

On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 11:43 PM, puckdropper <puckdropper@...
<mailto:puckdropper%40yahoo.com> > wrote:

> Have you tried using them with a Digitrax system and DC locomotive? (I'm
> not sure how important the Digitrax system is to the question.) I've got
> current based detectors from
>
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html<http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Erpa
isley4/DccBODvt5.html>and they showed occupied when a DC loco was placed on
the track in any
> block. I was wondering if these overcame that issue.
>
> > I'm using block detectors from here, and really love them -
> > http://www.wsaeng.com/Signaling_Solution/
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.716 / Virus Database: 270.14.103/2558 - Release Date: 12/11/09
23:38:00



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I don't know - I'm actually using Keller OnBoard, and they work flawlessly
w/ that.  There's a VERY complete manual available for download on the site
- that should answer most of your questions.

- Steven Haworth
Rio Grande Southern RR site - http://rgsrr.home.comcast.net/


On Fri, Dec 11, 2009 at 11:43 PM, puckdropper <puckdropper@...> wrote:

> Have you tried using them with a Digitrax system and DC locomotive? (I'm
> not sure how important the Digitrax system is to the question.) I've got
> current based detectors from
>
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html<http://home.cogeco.ca/%7Erpaisle\
y4/DccBODvt5.html>and they showed occupied when a DC loco was placed on the
track in any
> block. I was wondering if these overcame that issue.
>
> > I'm using block detectors from here, and really love them -
> > http://www.wsaeng.com/Signaling_Solution/
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Have you tried using them with a Digitrax system and DC locomotive?  (I'm not
sure how important the Digitrax system is to the question.)  I've got current
based detectors from http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/DccBODvt5.html and they
showed occupied when a DC loco was placed on the track in any block.  I was
wondering if these overcame that issue.

Puckdropper

--- In WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com, Steven Haworth <haworth7@...> wrote:
>
> I'm using block detectors from here, and really love them -
> http://www.wsaeng.com/Signaling_Solution/
>
> - Steven Haworth
> Rio Grande Southern RR site - http://rgsrr.home.comcast.net/
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Jim,

I would suggest you take a look at the YAHOO CMRI_Users group.

Al


> is anyone aware of good newgroup that discusses signaling control products?
>
> My DCC layout is blocked and i'd like to add block bsaed signaling to it.  i
am looking at logic products from logicrailtech.com (and others) and would
welcome beng able to participate on forum where some experience exists.
>
> thanks,
>
> jim zarnick
>

I'll let others answer the original question, but here is something to ponder
about train sensing... Most folks go for track current sensing of each signal
block to detect trains. It works great for engines and lighted passenger cars
that draw current but requires some other technique to recognize that
non-powered cars in the train are still within the block. One of the popular
methods is to use resistor conductive axles on almost every car. Another is to
use an IR or other optical end-of-block sensor logically coupled to both
adjacent track current detectors such that the block still idicates as occupied
as long as other cars are still exiting. (works with plastic wheels too.) Yet
another method with no track gaps or current sensors is to use IR or other
optical sensors in offset/quadrature  pairs such that simple circuits (think
latching relay) can detect the difference between entering and exiting the
signal block. You don't need twice as many sensors for this method to
work...just a guaranteed empty block between trains. The logic to handle all the
sensors for either method can be wired hardware or buried in a PC s/ware system
like JMRI. Take your pick.
DonV

-----Original Message-----
From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Jim
Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 10:07 PM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WiringForDCC] dcc, block detection and signaling

is anyone aware of good newgroup that discusses signaling control products?

My DCC layout is blocked and i'd like to add block bsaed signaling to it.  i am
looking at logic products from logicrailtech.com (and others) and would welcome
beng able to participate on forum where some experience exists.

thanks,

jim zarnick



------------------------------------

http://www.WiringForDCC.comYahoo! Groups Links

I'm using block detectors from here, and really love them -
http://www.wsaeng.com/Signaling_Solution/

- Steven Haworth
Rio Grande Southern RR site - http://rgsrr.home.comcast.net/


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

is anyone aware of good newgroup that discusses signaling control products?

My DCC layout is blocked and i'd like to add block bsaed signaling to it.  i am
looking at logic products from logicrailtech.com (and others) and would welcome
beng able to participate on forum where some experience exists.

thanks,

jim zarnick

>My first question is, can I just hook this standard rs232 port to the
booster
>instead of a command station? The RS232 port on my unit puts out the
standard
>5v ttl.

First, I know nothing about the Creston system, but I do know something
about most of the other DCC systems.

To your question: No.

I am not aware of any booster that supports any type of PC interface,
including RS232 since RS232 cannot meet all the requirements a boosters
will need to do it job.  1st there can be more than one booster on a
layout.  2nd, every booster needs to work in perfect timing sync with
each other (unison) when DCC transitions the track output voltage
polarity from one state to the other.  To meet these and other
requirements, the booster interface is often unique to the DCC system
you have and designed to be connected to a matching command station.

Since there can be more than one booster, the booster interface is often
called a "Booster Bus" with a proprietary signal format*.  This signal
is created by the command station.  The signal follows both DCC protocol
and timing requirements is sent down the Booster Bus to all the
boosters.  The booster bus is a binary one with realtime DCC information
on it that all boosters must follow in perfect unison.

Booster are dumb in that they are just "amplifiers" of the DCC signal
found on the Booster Bus and back it up with voltage and current
suitable to power the track and thus trains.  The booster does not
encode or decode the DCC signal.  It knows nothing about what is a good
or bad DCC signal.  Its transparent in that regard.  The booster's goal
it to provide protected power and make sure it getting a basic DCC
signal on the booster bus.  To prevent sending NONE DCC information such
as DC or garbage down the track, the booster shutsdown when the command
station is not sending DCC information.

*There are some brands of booster that can be "made to work" with a
different brand of command station.  But its not plug and play.

>Next does anyone know what the data string looks like that the engine
decoders
>read?

You need to become familiar with Decoder CV's, commands and protocols.

Start here:

http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/consist.html

There are both Standards and RP's.  All electrical start with the number
9.  The ones that deal with DCC have DCC in the file name.

Start with S-9.1 and S-9.2.  Those are the minimum standards.  Generally
RP's (RP-9.X.X) build on top of them with features and functions.

>I know that it is HEX based, but Is there a standard HEX string format
>that is used?  Such as the opener and closers to the string and so on.

Opener and closer to a string is called the Protocol.  RS232 has a
protocol (HW and SW) as does DCC.  They are not the same.  You will need
a device to translate between one and the other.  (Command Stations
Job!). Hex or value is just the payload of unique information to be
shiped inside a DCC packet that follows the DCC protocols.

If you want to drive the track directly, what you are really asking for
is what are the DCC protocols.  Not everything sent down the track is
directly tied to a Hex value and that are other responsibilities that
need to be performed when there nothing to send to keep trains running.

The command station has many overhead managment responsibilities that
must be followed.  There is a continous string of DCC packets that must
be sent back to back without violated DCC timing even if there is
nothing new interms of a payload command that needs to be sent down the
track.   Some type of DCC commands are send continously and some are
not.  The order of the command also has constraints.
 
>Also, I have three different gauges of set ups, I have N, HO and G
gauge. I am
>wondering what the standard voltage and amp settings would be for each
>gauge?

This is a Booster function.  Again covered in the DCC standards.
Voltage, if adjustable, is generally pre-fixed to one the three scales
you listed above and will cover all the other gauges too.  Once you set
it, you never change it.  The Current specification represents the
actual maximum current the booster can provide.  The actual amount of
current used depends on how many trains are physically running on the
layout.  Engines standing still do not consume current.  Simplistically,
If you run enough trains and they may draw (consume) more current than
the booster can provide.  When that happens, you need a higher current
booster and/or more boosters.

>I am assuming that these rates would be for a single engine, and any
>secondary engines would be double the current.

Simplistically correct.  This assume the motors are identical in each
engine.

The current from each running engine motor add together.  When the sum
of the all the running motor currents exceed the current rating of the
booster, the booster will become overloaded and shutdown.

Best Regards,

Mark Gurries
Linear Technology
Power Supply & Battery Charger Applications Engineer/Manager
---------------------------------------------------------
Model Railroad Club and NMRA DCC presentations are at:
http://www.siliconvalleylines.com/index.html
--------------------------------------------------------
Audio Enthusiast (Love SAE equipment)
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/gurriesm/
----------------------------------------------------------

Look forward to participating in this group ... doing N-scale, using Peco 55,
have 9 decoder equipt locos, Digitrak Zephyr ... beginning to think out doing
some decoder repairs, hard-wired solutions for 6 other locos ...




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Steve,

I am very familiar with the Crestron system, and love the idea of a touch screen
control.  The data packets for DCC are defined in a DCC standard located at the
NMRA website.  You can find info on this stuff here.
http://www.nmra.org/standards/DCC/

I do not know enough about it to give specifics to you.

I have a digitrax system, so my command station and booster are all in one with
a serial interface but it uses a protocol called LOCONET.  Everything on
Digitrax is done via a protocol called LOCONET and there are some serial/USB to
LOCONET devices like the Locobuffer.  However other manufactures just make
boosters that are compatible with many systems, so the protocol into the booster
must be standard, but I have not dug into that.  The protocol on the rails is
the same.

Your Crestron control system would have to act like a command station, and there
are a few things that they do.

The easiest way would  be to interface with a command station and let it do all
the work.

I have used a computer program called JMRI to communicate over LOCONET to the
command stations via a USB/Serial device called a LocoBuffer USB.
JMRI might be a good program to start with as there is a program in it to watch
the loconet traffic on a digitrax system.  Not sure how it works with other DCC
systems as I have not used them and have not explored the serial protocol needed
to interface with them.

Kevin

________________________________________
From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
Steve Taylor [stevenrt2000@...]
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 7:38 PM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WiringForDCC] dcc code construction

Hey Guy,

I am really new to DCC, however, I have done some reading on the subject, and
for the most part I think I have it figured out. I do have same questions though
that I hope someone can answer for me.

I understand the components and what they do, but I want to go a step further
and try to control this with a control system. I am thinking of Crestron, since
I am a certified Crestron programmer. It is a completely blank software based
system that has a control surface(in this case a touch screen), and a control
system that has a number of control port options on it. I can program the logic
as needed to do what I want it to do that will be sent out the control ports. In
this case I am going to use the RS232 port that is on the back of the unit,
which is a standard bi directional data cort.

My first question is, can I just hook this standard rs232 port to the booster
instead of a command station? The RS232 port on my unit puts out the standard 5v
ttl.

Next does anyone know what the data string looks like that the engine decoders
read? I know that it is HEX based, but Is there a standard HEX string format
that is used? Such as the opener and closers to the string and so on.

Also, I have three different gauges of set ups, I have N, HO and G gauge. I am
wondering what the standard voltage and amp settings would be for each gauge? I
am assuming that these rates would be for a single engine, and any secondary
engines would be double the current.

Let me know.
Thanks
Steve



__________________________________________________________
Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your
favourite sites. Download it now
http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It's a lot more complicated than that. See
http://www.nmra.org/standards/sandrp/s-9.html
DonV

-----Original Message-----
From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Steve Taylor
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 8:39 PM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WiringForDCC] dcc code construction

Hey Guy,
 
I am really new to DCC, however, I have done some reading on the subject, and
for the most part I think I have it figured out. I do have same questions though
that I hope someone can answer for me.
 
I understand the components and what they do, but I want to go a step further
and try to control this with a control system. I am thinking of Crestron, since
I am a certified Crestron programmer. It is a completely blank software based
system that has a control surface(in this case a touch screen), and a control
system that has a number of control port options on it. I can program the logic
as needed to do what I want it to do that will be sent out the control ports. In
this case I am going to use the RS232 port that is on the back of the unit,
which is a standard bi directional data cort.
 
My first question is, can I just hook this standard rs232 port to the booster
instead of a command station? The RS232 port on my unit puts out the standard 5v
ttl.
 
Next does anyone know what the data string looks like that the engine decoders
read? I know that it is HEX based, but Is there a standard HEX string format
that is used? Such as the opener and closers to the string and so on.
 
Also, I have three different gauges of set ups, I have N, HO and G gauge. I am
wondering what the standard voltage and amp settings would be for each gauge? I
am assuming that these rates would be for a single engine, and any secondary
engines would be double the current.
 
Let me know.
Thanks
Steve
 
 


       __________________________________________________________________
Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your
favourite sites. Download it now http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



------------------------------------

http://www.WiringForDCC.comYahoo! Groups Links

Hey Guy,
 
I am really new to DCC, however, I have done some reading on the subject, and
for the most part I think I have it figured out. I do have same questions though
that I hope someone can answer for me.
 
I understand the components and what they do, but I want to go a step further
and try to control this with a control system. I am thinking of Crestron, since
I am a certified Crestron programmer. It is a completely blank software based
system that has a control surface(in this case a touch screen), and a control
system that has a number of control port options on it. I can program the logic
as needed to do what I want it to do that will be sent out the control ports. In
this case I am going to use the RS232 port that is on the back of the unit,
which is a standard bi directional data cort.
 
My first question is, can I just hook this standard rs232 port to the booster
instead of a command station? The RS232 port on my unit puts out the standard 5v
ttl.
 
Next does anyone know what the data string looks like that the engine decoders
read? I know that it is HEX based, but Is there a standard HEX string format
that is used? Such as the opener and closers to the string and so on.
 
Also, I have three different gauges of set ups, I have N, HO and G gauge. I am
wondering what the standard voltage and amp settings would be for each gauge? I
am assuming that these rates would be for a single engine, and any secondary
engines would be double the current.
 
Let me know.
Thanks
Steve
 
 


       __________________________________________________________________
Yahoo! Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your
favourite sites. Download it now
http://ca.toolbar.yahoo.com.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think the use of the term "BUS" without a description of what bus is
being referred to is causing the confusion.

There are at least 3 types of buses in any DCC system.  They are:

Track Bus: A pair of individual heavy gauge wires routed under the
layout that feeds power from the Boosters/DCC Circuit Breakers to the
track.  Track feeders tie the track bus to the track.   This bus,
depending on how it is run and why, may end with nothing connected to
the loses ends.  If there is any exposed conductors on the end of the
wires, as recommended in a previous email, simply apply a "twist cap" or
electrical tape to prevent them from shorting to each other or anything
else.

Command Bus:  (AKA Throttle/Cab bus)  The cable the connects devices to
the Command Station.  In most, but not all DCC systems, this bus is
typically limited to throttles/cabs and other devices that talk to the
Command Station.  This bus uses small gauge wiring can take many forms
with the most common being some form of multi-conductor flat "indoor
telephone" cable.  This bus may go by many names depending on the DCC
system vendors terminology.  This bus usually self terminates (ends)
being plugged into a device.  No special treatment is needed.  But if
somehow the cable has a unused stub end and there are exposed
conductors, like the track bus, each wire must be insulated from the
other such they cannot short to each other or anything else.

Control Bus:  (AKA Booster bus).  Connect the command station to the
Boosters.  This bus uses small gauge wire that can take many forms.
This bus may go by many names depending on the DCC system vendors
terminology.  In some cases this bus is part of the Command Bus in which
both buses share the same physical cable but run on different wires
within the cable. (Digitrax Loconet for example).  This bus usually self
terminates (ends) being plugged into a device.  No special treatment is
needed.  But if somehow the cable has a unused stub ends and there are
exposed conductors, like the track bus, each wire must be insulated from
the other such they cannot short to each other or anything else.

In all cases, from a pure electrical point of view, it is generally not
recommended that one form an electrical loop (circle or wire) with any
one of these buses.


>I think to original question referred just to the two bus wires when
they
>reached the end of their run, not to anything else.
>
>
>
>
>
>Max
>
>
>
>From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
>[mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
>Behalf Of Richard Sutcliffe
>Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 3:36 PM
>To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Bus Wiring
>
>
>
>
>
>> The conductors of the two wires must not be connected together. Cover
>> each bare wire end with a wire nut to insulate them from other
>> objects. You can secure them mechanically any way you wish to keep
>> them tucked out of the way. Zip-Ties / Wire-Ties work well for that
>> purpose.
>> DonV
>
>Excuse me, but I think it is the control bus that must not form a loop.
>With a single power district and loop of track the track forms a
>complete loop, so why can't the power bus do the same?
>
>Richard A. Sutcliffe
>General Manager
>Bradley, Roger, & Tidewater Rwy. Co.
>Cariboo Traction Co.
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>No virus found in this incoming message.
>Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
>Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.71/2510 - Release Date:
11/20/09
>11:43:00
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>http://www.WiringForDCC.comYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Best Regards,

Mark Gurries
Linear Technology
Power Supply & Battery Charger Applications Engineer/Manager
---------------------------------------------------------
Model Railroad Club and NMRA DCC presentations are at:
http://www.siliconvalleylines.com/index.html
--------------------------------------------------------
Audio Enthusiast (Love SAE equipment)
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/gurriesm/
----------------------------------------------------------

We do not recommend you connect the ends of the buses under your layout and also
suggest insulated joiners if you have a loop of track.  Visit my website at: 
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track_2.htm#a40

Allan


--- In WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com, " Max Maginness" <m.maginness@...> wrote:
>
> I think to original question referred just to the two bus wires when they
> reached the end of their run, not to anything else.
>
>
>
>
>
> Max
>
>
>
> From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of Richard Sutcliffe
> Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 3:36 PM
> To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Bus Wiring
>
>
>
>
>
> > The conductors of the two wires must not be connected together. Cover
> > each bare wire end with a wire nut to insulate them from other
> > objects. You can secure them mechanically any way you wish to keep
> > them tucked out of the way. Zip-Ties / Wire-Ties work well for that
> > purpose.
> > DonV
>
> Excuse me, but I think it is the control bus that must not form a loop.
> With a single power district and loop of track the track forms a
> complete loop, so why can't the power bus do the same?
>
> Richard A. Sutcliffe
> General Manager
> Bradley, Roger, & Tidewater Rwy. Co.
> Cariboo Traction Co.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.71/2510 - Release Date: 11/20/09
> 11:43:00
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I think to original question referred just to the two bus wires when they
reached the end of their run, not to anything else.





Max



From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Richard Sutcliffe
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 3:36 PM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] Bus Wiring





> The conductors of the two wires must not be connected together. Cover
> each bare wire end with a wire nut to insulate them from other
> objects. You can secure them mechanically any way you wish to keep
> them tucked out of the way. Zip-Ties / Wire-Ties work well for that
> purpose.
> DonV

Excuse me, but I think it is the control bus that must not form a loop.
With a single power district and loop of track the track forms a
complete loop, so why can't the power bus do the same?

Richard A. Sutcliffe
General Manager
Bradley, Roger, & Tidewater Rwy. Co.
Cariboo Traction Co.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 9.0.709 / Virus Database: 270.14.71/2510 - Release Date: 11/20/09
11:43:00



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Try CV 36.  It reset the DB150 so I would think yours would be the same.


Harvey

----- Original Message -----
   From: David Eaton
   To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2009 8:19 AM
   Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] How bad did I screw things up!?



   In the DCS200 manual, there is a table of ops switches for the controller. I
can not remember off the top of my head which one, but there is a reset ops
switch that will restore the controller to the factory settings.

   ________________________________
   From: kd6bmv <k6mle@...>
   To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Fri, November 13, 2009 5:19:45 PM
   Subject: [WiringForDCC] How bad did I screw things up!?

   I recently purchased a Digitrax DS64 to incorporate into my layout using a
Digitrax DCS200. Working late in the evening (a mistake!) I apparently sent the
'close' code to address 01 NOT on the DS64, but to the DCS200. Now my DT400
remote won't light up with the DCS200 in 'run' mode.

   Is there an easy fix?

   Thanks!

   [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> The conductors of the two wires must not be connected together. Cover
> each bare wire end with a wire nut to insulate them from other
> objects. You can secure them mechanically any way you wish to keep
> them tucked out of the way. Zip-Ties / Wire-Ties work well for that
> purpose.
> DonV

Excuse me, but I think it is the control bus that must not form a loop.
With a single power district and loop of track the track forms a
complete loop, so why can't the power bus do the same?

Richard A. Sutcliffe
General Manager
Bradley, Roger, & Tidewater Rwy. Co.
Cariboo Traction Co.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The conductors of the two wires must not be connected together. Cover each bare
wire end with a wire nut to insulate them from other objects. You can secure
them mechanically any way you wish to keep them tucked out of the way. Zip-Ties
/ Wire-Ties work well for that purpose.
DonV

-----Original Message-----
From: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of D&R
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 1:44 PM
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WiringForDCC] Bus Wiring

When installing the bus wire, are the ends connected together or left hanging.
How are they secured.

Thanks for information



------------------------------------

http://www.WiringForDCC.comYahoo! Groups Links

When installing the bus wire, are the ends connected together or left hanging.
How are they secured.

Thanks for information

In the DCS200 manual, there is a table of ops switches for the controller.  I
can not remember off the top of my head which one, but there is a reset ops
switch that will restore the controller to the factory settings.


________________________________
From: kd6bmv <k6mle@...>
To: WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Fri, November 13, 2009 5:19:45 PM
Subject: [WiringForDCC] How bad did I screw things up!?


I recently purchased a Digitrax DS64 to incorporate into my layout using a
Digitrax DCS200.  Working late in the evening (a mistake!) I apparently sent the
'close' code to address 01 NOT on the DS64, but to the DCS200.  Now my DT400
remote won't light up with the DCS200 in 'run' mode.

Is there an easy fix?

Thanks!




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I recently purchased a Digitrax DS64 to incorporate into my layout using a
Digitrax DCS200.  Working late in the evening (a mistake!) I apparently sent the
'close' code to address 01 NOT on the DS64, but to the DCS200.  Now my DT400
remote won't light up with the DCS200 in 'run' mode.

Is there an easy fix?

Thanks!

If you have a Fry's in your area, you can get electronics stuff pretty cheap. I
bought my Loconet cable and connectors there.

http://www.frys.com/ac/storelocator/index.jsp

Greg

--- In WiringForDCC@yahoogroups.com, "kd6bmv" <k6mle@...> wrote:
>
> I want to expand my LocoNet and was wondering if there is a recommended source
for the RJ-12 cable, or connectors?
>
> Thanks.
>