What is DCC wiring?
DCC stands for Digital Command Control. It is a system where digital commands are sent to the locomotives through the rails. The layouts of yesteryear used block control. Each required its own power pack and a complex control panel to keep each locomotive electrically separate from each other.
What is a double slip point?
A double slip switch (double slip) is a narrow-angled diagonal flat crossing of two lines combined with four pairs of points in such a way as to allow vehicles to change from one straight track to the other, as well as going straight across. This gives the same functionality of two points placed end to end.
Can you use Insulfrog points on DCC?
Yes, when using DCC Insulfrogs are best avoided (Peco in particular), but where there is no choice just fit them and wire them as you would electrofrog with insulated joiners on the two frog rails, and then optionally paint the frog with conductive paint. Voila!
What are DCC points?
At the end of the day, If you are running DCC ( or even DC really) Electrofrog points are best practice. The reality with insulfrog points is that you will have to wire the frog so that its polarity is dependent on the direction that the points are thrown.
Do I need special track for DCC?
Track needs to be straight and properly connected. If you can run a regular train around the layout, then you will not likely have a problem with DCC.
Is DCC DC or AC?
DCC is square-wave AC whose frequency is modulated to embed a digital signal. This supplies the +12V and – 12V (or greater) to run the DC motors. The wave has to be +/- to allow reversing. Each decoder rectifies this square wave and applies DC to turn the motor, on command.
What is the difference between a single slip and a double slip?
What is the Difference between Single and Double Slip? A Double Slip allows for two possible routes in either direction. A Single Slip offers two possible routes for one track through the crossing. For the other track only one route is possible, with the single slip functioning as a crossover only.
How does a double slip work?
A Double Slip Switch (DSS) connects a series of parallel tracks to allow a train to cross over on to any track no matter which direction it is going. A train approaching the arrangement may leave by either of the two tracks on the opposite side of the crossing.
What’s the difference between a DCC and a double slip?
First let’s stop this myth about wiring “for DCC” wire the track correctly then it will work. Wiring a double slip is no different for DC than DCC. A double slip is essentially 2 points back to back and should be wired following the basic rules for wiring any point.
Do you use DCC on a PECO double slip?
We’ve got a Peco double slip on our layout and we use DCC. For starters Peco only make insulfrog ones so that makes life easier. Another useful tip is that a double slip is really just two points toe to toe in a smaller space, therefore you always have a feed to the centre of the double slip.
What kind of wire do you need for DCC?
Basic Plain Track Wiring for DCC. Track Feeders 20 –24 gauge stranded Track Bus Wires: 10 gauge – 14 gauge, solid conduit wire (14 gauge more than sufficient for 100 feet run in HO.) 3 feet+ OK between feeds, closer on smaller code track. Solder rail joints between feeders and/or at least one feeder each rail length.
Can a double slip be wired back to back?
A double slip is essentially 2 points back to back and should be wired following the basic rules for wiring any point. Insulate the frogs from the rest of the track world and power them from the point switching DPST Run a dropper from each stock rail (you will note that being back to back points they share the same stock rail.)