I have a DCC layout, using NCE PowerCab. Basic figure-8 layout with two reversing segments. Tam Valley circuit breaker in series with Tam Valley frog juicers as AR circuits. Finished wiring track and

I have an NCE PowerCab. Originally I wired a totally separate (physically and electrically via DPDT switch) programming track. Due to revision to track layout and space limitations, that track segment

Allan, For some reason (perhaps upgrading my Op. system?) since mid-Sept. I have not been receiving any messages from this group. I hope that is not intentional, as I don’t believe I’ve broken any of

Ken the opposite phasing of DCC (while not as serious as the opposing polarity of DC) remains a problem, but is readily solved by wiring your feeders to the helix through an AutoReverse (AR) switch —

I agree with the Frog Juicer suggestion from Tam Valley. Whether placed on the Wyes of on the Helix, the key is to not have two segments of track wired with an AR (auto-reverser) circuit, adjacent to

Ken, Not sure I followed completely the description of your layout before and after the helix. However, conceptually it seems to me that all you need is an AR circuit wired into the helix, with the he

Vincent, the programming track is physically separate, not connected to the layout. A dead end with end-of-track bumper and an unpowered extension (just for scenic effect) that runs into a tunnel to n

Thanks Dave. I have two separate pairs of wires — one black & red pair to the layout and one pair to the programming track. Essentially parallel separate power buses. I believe that wiring the DPDT sw

I am still a newbie and follow this group carefully. I have found the knowledge and information conveyed most helpful. A great learning tool to read responses such as those from Dave in Australia! I h

Pete, Go to tamvalleydepot.com. Under product tab you will find both the juicers and circuit breaker, as well as servos and controllers with dedicated wiring and actuator switches (that I like) for tu

Pete: Responses to your 3 questions: 1. "Are juicers better than the AR modules I bought?" You say potAto, I say PotAHto. Everyone has preferences, and I certainly am not in a position to say one is b

Pete, I'm using Tam Valley frog juicers as AR (Hex Juicer handles up to 3 AR sections). I use the TM circuit breaker because it is "slower" than the ARs so they detect the short and switch cycles/pola

Nick, I am fairly new at this DCC wiring and certainly am not an electronics expert. But I’ve read a lot and learned even more from this group. From what I understand you can wire the AR segment with

Ted Tyson, Tam Valley (tamvalleydepots.com) also has a line of switch machines, servos, controllers, etc. you might consider. What I find particularly attractive are (1) they have a fully compatible s

David, Now that answer makes sense. Bill D

Yup. You got it Dale. Allan’s information is incredibly informative. That said, the exchange on this group is most enjoyable — especially as we isolate in place. Bill D

Jerry, Of course this group makes things complicated. That’s part of the fun of the hobby. Always another issue/problem to be challenged by. And solve/address. Hence complications. Snubbers seem to fa

Of course Allan. Bill Demarest Gainesville, Va. Neighbor of Marty McGuirk. 😃. Small world.

Allen, Sorry for confusion. Was using "N/S" simply to indicate the "main" bus running down the middle of the layout parallel to the longest side (acting as a "spine"), and "E/W" to describe power bus

Allen, Is there a reason for not twisting the sub-bus wires? I am planning a similar wiring pattern with a "N/S" main bus (twisted wires) and several "E/W" sub busses off the main bus. I had planned t