Also, some of the accessory decoders have an option of a separate power source, so whatever they drive (switch motors, lights, etc.) can be powered by the separate power source, while still be controlled by the DCC system. Many, but not all, of the decoders have the option of auxiliary inputs so you can control a turnout, for example, by the DCC system using a throttle or computer, or manually with a switch. And it you want to get fancy, with the right software, you can use Android phones and tablets and Apple's phones, iPods, and tablets to control your trains and throw switches.
In my case, I'm running all my switch controls through accessory decoders of some type, even if they have (or will have) local controls. I'm also running a 12 VDC auxiliary power bus around the layout when I don't want to use the DCC system for power. Dave Heine Easton, PA -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of pickycat95 Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 1:36 PM To: [email protected] Subject: {S-Scale List} Re: Questions questions questions! Ed, That is what I thought. And you go on to answer the real question behind my set-up question. It is really the size and ambition of the layout that will determine required power from the DCC system. My layout had over 50 tortai ... er tortoises but I chose to provide separate power and switching using toggle switches. I can barely talk and run one or two locomotives from one throttle without adding the complexity of dialing up switches to control them, too. A layout with 100 switches is likely to be divided into power zones with a number of different boosters (and power supplies). I suppose one could dedicate a booster and its power supply to running turnout motors and still have control through the DCC throttle. How many fire hydrants do you have on your layout and for how many dogs? Ben Trousdale --- In [email protected], "Ed" <Loizeaux@...> wrote: > > > Ed, > > What do you mean by 'switch motors'? > > Ben Trousdale > > Hi Ben... > > A switch motor is a small electrical motor used to throw (move the points) the track switch (turnout) to the curved route or back to the straight route. Two of the most common brands are Tortoise and SwitchMaster, but there are others. > > The two most common brands of switch motors are "stall motors" which means they are "on" all of the time and become stalled when reaching the end of the point throw. But they are still "on" even though the points have stopped moving and still draw current. Typical current draw for many switchmotors is nearly 20 ma (.02 amps). Thus, a layout with 100 stall motors would need almost 2 amps merely to have all the switch motors operating simultaneously. With a 2-amp DCC system, that does not leave much for running the trains. > > Hand throws are not switch motors and do not draw current and do not factor in when sizing a DCC system. In this case, the switch "motor" is your index finger. (grin) > > It is also possible to connect electrical switch motors so they do not draw power from the DCC system. Just hook them up to a separate power pack and use toggle switches or pushbuttons to operate them. In this case, the current needed for switch motors is not a factor to be considered when sizing a DCC system. > > It all depends on how you wire your layout and what you want. Some folks like to operate turnouts from the handheld throttle using DCC current and other folks dislike that. Each can have what they like with proper planning. > > Hope this helps....Ed L. > > > > > The next most common electrical load might be switch motors... > > > Good luck....Ed L. > ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links ------------------------------------ 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: [email protected] [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/
