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DCC wiring for modular home layout? Journals/Blogs
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Super User 15,970 posts ctxmf74 Super User 15,970 posts
ctxmf74

   Here's something I haven't seen discussed yet. I'm planning a new layout, it will be built in sections bolted together so it can be moved someday if necessary but initially it will be built and left in place. Normally a modular layout would have wiring on each section with plug in connectors at the joints but I might never need these connectors if I never move the layout so I'm thinking I might run a main buss wire all the way around the room then run short module length sub-buss under each section so the feeder wires can be hooked to it instead of to the main buss. Each module length short buss would be fed with one drop to the main buss( actually one drop for each rail). If a move ever comes I could cut the main buss to sub buss drops and leave all the feeders to sub buss wires in place. So has anyone ever used this scheme? What would be the theoretical wire twisting protocol for a buss plus sub buss around the room circuit?  Should both be twisted or just one? Anyone have any thoughts on the feasibility of this idea? .......DaveB

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Prof_Klyzlr Moderator 7,960 posts
Prof_Klyzlr

Just allow "a little spare slack" per joint...

Dear Dave,

1 - I build all my sectional (to use the US-correct term for the format) layouts with proper road-proven multi-pin connectors between modules. It's extra time spent, but I know my layouts will need to be moved,
so a little time spent once now saves hours of pain and heartache later.

2 - Instead of "duplicate bussing",
(a round-the layout main-buss + individual module "sub busses"),

why not run the buss thru the modules as per "normal",
and simply consciously-leave a 12-18" "excess loop" of wire at each joint?
(You are using some form of cable retention at each module<> module joint, aren't you?
If YES, then keeping that excess-loop of cable under control should be a doddle...)

- Saves the duplication now (time/effort/materials) 

- gives you plenty of slack wire to "cut thru" if/when it comes time to seperate
(in much the same way as many modellers lay track straight accross the joints, with the plan of simply "razor-sawing the joints later if/when it comes time to move", just add a pair of sidecutters to the "razor-saw gang")

- and if your wiring color code is up-to-snuff
(no "if it's purple, it's wire" is not "up to snuff"! ),
then re-terminating/joining the "severed buss" after the move/re-assembly should be reasonably painless...

Happy Modelling,
Aim to Improve,
Prof Klyzlr
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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Me too

I'm doing the same thing with my sectional layout. I may use a "sub-buss" with a toggle switch for each section to turn off the power to that section to use for troubleshooting shorts. Each section would be a separate block. In case of a problem I could turn off a 9 toggle switches and then turn them on one at a time until the short re-appears.

Rick

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The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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ctxmf74 Super User 15,970 posts
ctxmf74

"use a "sub-buss" with a toggle switch for each section "

Hi Rick, That's a good idea that I hadn't considered. Very easy to put a toggle switch on the buss to sub-buss wires. I'm thinking I'll have about 10 framed up modules plus some throw away connector tracks.that wouldn't need their own toggles.....DaveB

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rickwade Prolific poster (deceased) 6,447 posts
rickwade

Dave - I'm glad that you like the idea

The fact that I took the extra effort to install the toggle switches will insure that I will never have a short! . The swiches will be tucked away under the bench work so as to not "junk up" my fascia.

Rick

img_4768.jpg 

The Richlawn Railroad Website - Featuring the L&N in HO  / MRH Blog  / MRM #123

Mt. 22: 37- 40
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