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DCC Hook-Up
Here are instructions on how to hook up the Power Box to the modules.
The Power Box is usually placed under the turntable corner pushed a little ways to the left so that all the wires can reach their proper connections. In the Power Box are usually the AC wire and sometimes other wires. The AC wire plugs into the left side of the box and into an AC power strip attached to the wall outlet or extension cord. Obtain four wires with orange sleeves from the tub of wires. These are all labeled and color-coded. One end of each of them plugs into the Power Box slightly below the middle. The other end plugs into the mainline track bus, the yard, the yard, or turntable. There is one two-wire cord without an orange sheath with a purple plug. It is the programming cord and plugs in below the other orange cords and into the wye drop plug of the same color and label. When all these wires are plugged in, and before the bus wires are connected underneath the modules, then turn on the power. If no shorts, then plug in the 9" joiner tracks around the layout watching for shorts as you go. If you get all the way around with not short, terrific! Now the 9" joiner tracks can be installed around the layout. Be sure to put the "gaps" in. One of these occurs directly above where the orange mainline wire connected. The other gap tracks go on the opposite side. REMEMBER TO UNPLUG THE MOLEX CONNECTOR at the same joint as the gap tracks are installed above. The gaps could occur at the bridge joints as well, but be sure to install two insulators and not connect the far module Molex. (The bridge usually only requires one insulated joiner.)
Here are instructions on how to hook up the Cab bus.
Overview: There is a six-wire bus with RJ-12 plugs (sort of like phone cords) that start at the Command Station (socket marked "Cab Bus") and is "daisy chained" to all the UTP (Universal Throttle Panel) panels around the layout so that individual Cabs can be plugged into for train operation. (Although most people use radio equipped cabs and have no need for the Cab bus, they should still "plug in" when "selecting locos.") Note that the bus ends at the last UTP panel and does not make a closed loop. There is a drawing in the Field Notebook illustrating hookup.
When hooking these up during setup, the wire FROM the command station must be plugged into the socket on the back of each UTP panels marked "COMMAND STATION." Usually this plug has red paint on it and a label on the front fascia. Also there are some UTP panels on the fronts of some modules as well, so be sure to connect to these also. The wires are available in different lengths and labeled such. Although there is no absolute correct way to connect them, I prefer the following:
Power box Command station to Turntable corner,
Turntable to Transition yard, Transition yard to rest of layout going off to left (from the wye)
Here are instructions on how to hook up the antenna.
The antenna system consists of two black boxes that have an antenna and RJ-12 sockets on them. The RB02 BASE STATION (with three RJ-12 sockets on the ends) is connected to the front of a yard UTP panel and placed just above the yard on a small metal bracket. The RPT1 REPEATER (with one RJ-12 socket) is connected to the RB02 BASE STATION (one of two sockets) with one of the longest Cab bus wires (50' or 40') and strung around the modules to the other side of the layout as far as it goes. Then it is placed on top of the antenna pole stand. Ask for help with the antenna stand. There is a drawing in the Field Notebook illustrating hookup.
DCC Issues
Mission Statement
Promote participation, sharing, railroad history, and the NMRA/4 Div.
Entertain and inform people about the hobby.
Help charities, community organizations, and other railroad groups.
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DCC Information
NMRA DCC, Introduction
NMRA beginner's overview of DCC
Wiring for DCC
Check out the DCC Topics!
Tony's Train Exchange
A very well respected commercial source with tips, information, and stuff for sale
NCE
Web site for NCE (North Coast Electronics) the DCC system that we use
Last updated:
July 22, 2007 |
