---- [email protected] wrote: > There are 20 messages in this issue. > > > 2. Wire Gage and Amps
> > A discussion on the SMODule list was regarding what gage wire is needed > for carrying a DCC signal on modules. #10 has been suggested. This > topic is not exclusive to SMOD. I found voltage drop info underneath > the gage vs amps chart at this url. > > http://www.powerstream.com/Wire_Size.htm I assume this discussion relates to preferences in wiring for DCC use with SMOD standards....I'm not an electrical engineer, but here is what I know.... The choice of gauge is dependent on length and amprage... Most DCC systems are 5 amp or 10 amp and the with a 12-16 gauge recommendation for the bus lines. (these guages are sufficient to handle). A thicker gauge should be chosen for longer runs. The chart that you reference indicates the number of ohms per 1000 feet. Even for 16 guage it's only 4 ohms (over 1000 feet). So, how long are the runs going to be? How big of a setup? I'd guess that most setups will be 50-200 feet, so that would be less than 1 ohm drop. If a larger setup is established, I'd assume that multiple boosters would be required. Probably a booster for every 100 feet or so. Or one for a yard and one for the mainline and .... So, I do not see any reason for needing runs of more than 100 feet. There are other advantages to breaking up a the layout into multiple booster. First of all, DCC system shut down whenever a short occurs...It is best to localize the the shorts by having multiple boosters or to have "breakers". The HO Free-mo guys do use multiple booster, I've not heard of them using breakers (they might). My personal oppinion, is that 10 guage is OVERKILL for module wiring. Also, #10 gauge is will not fit in may plug assemblies (I suggest you try before making it a standard or recommendation). #10 probably will not work with some terminal strips and will not work with suitcase connectors. (Personally, I like using suitcase connectors for feeders to the bus). Finally, #10 is very stiff, hard to work with and will hurt the hands. Both the Sn2 and HO free-mo standards deal with DCC, and in different ways. HO is specifically Digitrax and Sn2 is not manufacturer specific. Consider reviewing and asking questions.... http://www.free-mo.org http://www.narrowtracks.com/Sn2/Free-Mo Good Luck... Dave K. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
