Questions on wiring with Digitrx Empire Builder xtra

[Motley]

I plan on using the DCS system by Digitrax Empire Builder xtra. I'm a noob, since this is a completely new layout for me, I decided to go with DCC.

I have a question on the power feeder wires. OK so I know that I will have power feeders every 3-6ft of track, so do I run those wires for every section of track back to single distribution block and then to the DCS system? I want to be able to run 2-3 trains at one time.

I have a total of 19 turnouts in my layout. On the remote turn-outs, do I still use the turnout flip switches back to the central location, and then to the DCS command center? What is the best way to wire all the turnouts on my layout. I think I will need the Digitrax DS4's, which support 4 turnouts each? I will be using PECO remote turnouts.

Here is my layout plan:

 

[Selector]

Are you toying with us?

In case you are serious, the only Digitrax product by that name that I am aware of is the Digitrax Super Empire Builder, and that would perforce be a DCC system, not DCS.

To wire any layout, first run a heavy gauge insulated wire, say 12-14 gauge, under the axis of the benchwork. One end enters the output retainers on the command station, the other ends of each of the two wires are most simply dead-ended near the extremes of the required run, or just before they would meet again. Insulate and tuck up the ends safely apart from each other.

Then, cut into the insulation where you need to, and solder thinner feeder wires, usually 20 or 22 gauge, to places where gaps and insulaters block power. You will have to figure this out yourself...where feed is needed between gaps and insulated joins or frogs. Solder a small bared length of the feeders to the sides of the rails that are the least visible from where a person would look at the rails.

-Crandell

 

[Motley]

Thanks Crandel, yes I meant the Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra 5 Amp DCC Starter Set.

Can I use the terminal joiners by Atlas for the power feeds? What about the ground wires?

Also, on the PECO turnouts, which ones should I get, the Insulfrog or Elecrofrog, which would be better for the DCC system I plan on using?

 

[Selector]

If by terminal joiners you mean the metal (usual) joiners that already have thin wires soldered onto them, sure. Just remember, though, there is more to reliable electrical distribution on our scale rails than soldered feeders to joiners. The second critical component is to solder each of those joiners to the two rails they join. Then, on each far end, use only free-sliding joiners because you don't need any more electrical than what is getting fed at the other end. All you want at every second joiner is alignment. Does that make sense?

You don't need ground wires. If your household circuits are grounded properly to code, and your power supply (that you have purchased separately for your SEB? I had to...) has the polarized plug, all you worry about after that is secure contact with the terminals, solders, and joiners. Let the shorts detection circuitry in your DB150 do the rest for you.

I have Walthers/Shinohara, Peco Streamline Code 83 insulfrog, and hand-laid turnouts in Code 100 all over my track system. I have no trouble with even my tiny P2K SW8 switcher* getting across all the dead/insulated frogs. And these turnouts range from the Peco #6's all the way up to a curved #10 or so Fast-Tracks type turnout. So, if you are asking me about my experience with, and confidence in, the Peco Insulfrogs, two thumbs up. They work for me, and I like them very much.

*When I first got it, it had one axle of the four with traction tires. I couldn't make it cross a single turnout. Walthers shipped me a replacement metal-tire axle, and my problems went away.

 

[Motley]

Ah OK I see what you mean on the soldered connections. And no ground wires makes things easier.

Now I have a question about wiring the turnouts. According to Digitrax knowledgebase, I need the DS64 decoders and the power supply (PS14) for each that will run 4 turnouts each. How would I wire those up?

Again, thanks for all the help, I'm sure I'll keep coming up with more questions!