Wiring with Power Cab

[Mixed Freight]

FWIW there's 1 line to the outside rails and 12 to the inside rails. Simply put, a bus line just has the 12 wire inside lines spliced to a run that connects to transformer?

Hello Mr. Jim,

Based on your posts and pictures, I'm assuming you're only running one DC transformer with your layout. If you want to go to DCC, your hookups are very easy. Simply unhook your DC throttle from your ganged Selectors and your common feed wire.

A DCC system has two hook-up wires to the track, just like a DC transformer. Go ahead and hook up your DCC system just like you did with your DC transformer. One wire to the common rail wire, and the other wire to the first ganged Selector that runs your 12 blocks. Either the A or B side of the Selector, doesn't matter. You simply flip all Selectors to the same A or B side, whichever powers the tracks. You're all set to go now with DCC!

You will still need to keep your DC transformer to power your turnouts with the AC accessory side of it. You could also use the variable DC side of it to control other layout accessories if desired, just don't hook it up to any of the tracks while running trains with a DCC system.

And that's it! Pretty easy, huh? Good luck with your Power Cab.

 

[woodcamp66213]

Hello Mr. Jim,

Based on your posts and pictures, I'm assuming you're only running one DC transformer with your layout. If you want to go to DCC, your hookups are very easy. Simply unhook your DC throttle from your ganged Selectors and your common feed wire.

A DCC system has two hook-up wires to the track, just like a DC transformer. Go ahead and hook up your DCC system just like you did with your DC transformer. One wire to the common rail wire, and the other wire to the first ganged Selector that runs your 12 blocks. Either the A or B side of the Selector, doesn't matter. You simply flip all Selectors to the same A or B side, whichever powers the tracks. You're all set to go now with DCC!

You will still need to keep your DC transformer to power your turnouts with the AC accessory side of it. You could also use the variable DC side of it to control other layout accessories if desired, just don't hook it up to any of the tracks while running trains with a DCC system.

And that's it! Pretty easy, huh? Good luck with your Power Cab.

Thank you for the info. I haven't reached the point of connecting the transformer yet. The info I got on google was that it recommended running the turnouts on DC even though I can run them on DCC. Being a complete rookie, I think I want to use DC for them. I'm assuming only 1 wire for the common wire and a bus for the block lines?
Jim

 

[Mixed Freight]

Thank you for the info. I haven't reached the point of connecting the transformer yet. The info I got on google was that it recommended running the turnouts on DC even though I can run them on DCC. Being a complete rookie, I think I want to use DC for them. I'm assuming only 1 wire for the common wire and a bus for the block lines?
Jim

Yes, your turnouts should be able to work on straight DC. Simply wire all your turnouts up as shown in the Atlas N-scale Booklet #6, and then instead of connecting them to the 'AC Accessory" terminals on your power pack, connect them instead to the 'DC Track' side. Then set the throttle to enough voltage to operate the turnouts. Note: if at full voltage they still don't operate quite as well as they should, you may have to move your hook-up wires from the DC terminals to the AC terminals. Sometimes the AC side will operate at a slightly higher voltage than the DC side.

 

[woodcamp66213]

Thanks for all the help