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MAIN PROG
DCC
NCE
AUTO-SW
POWER
PCAB-PP
TRACK
Double Gaps
Program Track
Main Track
Power Cab
Power Supply
Track Out
DCC
Program
Main
Power Cab
Power Panel
Auto SW
You can use the optional NCE Auto SW to automatically turn off your mainline track
and let you program one locomotive at a time on your program track. Part number
524-226 is the Auto SW. When the Auto-SW is set to mainline, the program track will
be off.
REVERSE BLOCKS, WYES, AND CROSSOVERS
Reversing loops/sections still present the same potential for short circuits as
conventional DC layouts. You can use commercial auto-reverse loop modules such
as the MRC AD520 or Tony’s Trains Auto Reverser.
WIRING
If you already have a layout, your existing wiring most likely can be used without
problems as long as it can handle a continuous 2 amp current. We suggest a “bus”
of two large gauge (18 AWG) wires that follow the general track route of your layout
with feeder wires to the track about every 3-6 feet. For the most trouble free
operation we suggest a feeder to EVERY piece of rail. Don’t rely on the rail joiners to
handle 2 Amps of current. To prevent voltage drop over long runs a chart of
recommended track bus wire sizes is found below.
For the hobbyist wiring up a new layout our suggested wire sizes based on voltage
drop are:
Runs to twenty-five feet ...... #18
Runs to fifty feet................... #16
For best results on long runs (over 20 feet), twist the bus wires about three turns per
foot.
If you are planning a layout expansion that will require more power (more trains) in
the future, we suggest using #16 for runs to 25 feet and #14 for longer runs.
There is no special requirement for routing the power conductors with DCC. If you
are going to have long runs of cab bus cabling along the front of the layout you
should run the track bus wires nearer the rear to prevent potential “crosstalk”
between the track signal and the cab bus.
Installation of the Auto-SW to the Power Cab
TM
System
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