Beginner's Guide: Model Railroad Wiring for DCC, Like a Pro
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Instal JMRI and Connect with Layout: • Getting Started with J...
JMRI Basics: • JMRI: Layout Editor, I...
WiThrottle and Engine Driver: • Beginner's Guide for J...
DCC wiring is simple, right? Just two bus wires that control everything? Well, not quite! If you are looking to get a little more than just running trains in two ovals, DCC can 'look' tougher than traditional DC. BUT, if you take the right steps in the beginning and understand the basics right, it is not only easy, it's pretty fun too!
I will be starting with building a new model train layout in the coming months, but before that I am going to test my electronics, build some essential components and run a full simulation of computer control and automation in a small test bed. I am also taking this opportunity to record the steps in detail so that for anyone starting with a DCC model train layout can benefit from these methods. IN another words, if you are searching for a ONE STOP SHOP for all DCC and wiring related topics, you might have just found the right place. In next few months I will unravel the secrets of DCC, signaling and automation to best of my abilities.
In Volume 1, I lay the foundation of DCC wiring and handle some basic but crucial topic of modern model railroad wiring. The emphasis is definitely on planning - superior the electrical plan of your railroad better off you will be when you start building it. I also touch upon different types of turnouts like Peco Electrofrog and Micro Engineering Insulated Metal Frog turnouts and how to wire them to your railroad in different configurations. Finally, I shared some time tested best practices to follow during electrical work that can go a long way to build bulletproof wiring for your model train layout.
If you've read till here, then make sure to check out my series on basic computer control for model trains using JMRI. Links to all 3 parts are here:
Part 1: • Getting Started with J... - linking your model railroad to a computer and configure JMRI
Part 2: • JMRI: Layout Editor, I... - basic controls of turnouts and routes
Part 3: • Beginner's Guide for J... - control your model railroad using a mobile device
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Based on the feedback that the background music in this video is too distracting, I felt compelled to provide a 'no music' version so that you have a choice to pick based on your preferences. This episode is too important for the series, so please ensure to follow closely, especially if you are new to DCC.
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Dude Where is My Horse by Nat Keefe With The Bow Ties - Розваги
I'm a rank beginner (first layout) and a retired engineer and software designer. I love the end goals you've proposed (block and speed detection) and I'd love to follow you on your quest. Starting with a small testbed to learn DCC seems like a real good idea. The problem is getting past the physical to the electronic then on to the software. I assume I need to copy your testbed layout but I'm too much of a beginner to do the physical without more help: things that are obvious to you will not be to me. A parts list, maybe, or do you have a video I haven't found on creating this layout? Perhaps I need to start somewhere else, less ambitious, I'd welcome advice - thanks!
Hi! I don't have a video building the layout, but various wiring considerations are clearly explained here which should be helpful, and as an engineer and and a software designer, I am sure it will not be a steep learning curve for you. If you have no exposure to model railroading at all, then my recommendation would be to taking absolute baby steps.
- buy an inexpensive but decent basic DCC starter set. Best bet will be to source an old model second hand (that's what I've done). I use Digitrax, but brand is really not important since all brands use the same protocol. Make sure to get a manual of the product.
- get yourself a basic DCC loco - non expensive, with just basic functions.
- get a GOOD soldering iron. I use a 90 watt iron with ability to change temperature. Also get a pack of low temperature silver solder, I use Kester brand. Soldering is one of the core skills you need in Model Railroading. if you haven't done it in the past, keep practicing on scrap metals, wires etc. before starting on tracks. Once you have confidence to move on to tracks, you can try my methods that yielded good results and realistic looking tracks: ua-cam.com/video/MKFYQx3DkPs/v-deo.html
- get some flex tracks. First make a straight section by hooking up just the two wires from the command station, run your first train by following the basic steps in the manual.
- Get 2 good turnouts /switches. Get track joiners and insulated joiners. I recommend the brand Peco or Micro Engineering.
- Get 2 digital switch machines. I used DCC Concepts, but you can use Tortoise Snail if you're in the US. Follow the supplied instructions to hook-up the wire, power the turnout frog, and learn to operate the machine - lots of videos on UA-cam. Do it on one turnout first.
- Once you have succefully completed all the steps above, come back to the video and see if you can replicate what I've done.
I've been meaning to do an 'absolute beginner' series, but other projects are priorities have been on the way. I will think of reviving this old project and see if I can create a new series.
Thanks for looking.
Kaustav
I am a beginner in model trains and definitely not an electrical engineer. I have been looking for answers and watching countless hours of videos and you are the only person that has explained why you use the insulated rain joiners. I will need to watch this video a few more times to understand it better and your other videos. Thank you sir.
I am so glad to know that, James! That was the purpose of my tech series videos - to break it down in plain english and give a complete guide as opposed to bits and pieces. I am a little behind in creating more videos in that series, something I will get to pretty soon. Stay tuned! Cheers! Kaustav
@@TrainsandDioramas well you are doing a great job! I'll be watching and rewatching your videos as I'm brand new as well with minimal electrical abilities
Great video. I am always confused with wiring for points and turnouts. Thank you for explaining in simple terms and the use of diagrams was very helpful. Look forward to the next video. Thanks 👍
Thank you! I'm glad that the video helped. I got distracted and started focusing on other things, but I will return to wiring as soon as my current pipeline of projects are done. Thank you for watching!
Nice video, I'm reviewing and learning as much as I can. I'm a beginner and a little intimidated by some of the complexities of DCC wiring. I'm going to attempt to build my very first layout and I figure I'm going to make some mistakes, just hope there not to malignant.
Glad it was helpful! I think you're absolutely on the right track in your thoughts - making mistakes is part of learning anything new. The best way to prevent the 'malignancy' of a mistake is perhaps to start small and focus on the basics in the beginning. Once the foundation is understood properly, rest always falls in place. :) Good luck with you model railroad. If you have any questions, you're free to leave more comments or find me on Facebook or Instagram. Cheers! Kaustav
Hi professor! Now that was informative. You try really hard in your videos, and I for one appreciate that. I look forward to future episodes. See ya next time.
Thank you Norman! This actually is an old video that got republished while rearranging the videos. But it's good to see that you found the video informative. Next stuff coming up in a couple of months. :)
Well done. Very informative and I hope you keep adding more videos.
That's the plan, Paul! Unfortunately, I have my interest in lot of places, so the wiring and DCC is a little behind now. But now that my current project is over, I'll get to that in a next few weeks' time. Cheers and Thank you for stopping by. :)
Kaustav
I am loving the videos. Not sure if it's on my end but I am getting pretty dramatic volume fluctuations. Looking forward to the next video.
Yes, the sound wasn't really great in this video because I didn't have a lap mic at that time and it was recorded directly off my iPhone's base mic. The future ones should be much better.
Wow! I thought I understood DCC and then I watched this.....hehehe. Now I'm like..."DUH....what's up doc"? LOL ...I think I'll have to watch it again... :)
LOL! Well, the basic concept is the same however you look at it, so I'm sure what you understood before still holds good. :) I just linked it to the basic electrical circuits, types of turnouts and basics of how real railroads use detection and how to plan for detection even if you're not starting with detection when you start building, because eventually that's what you graduate to. I plan to restart this series later this year - just trying to figure out a way to make it more entertaining! Thank you for stopping by, cheers!
Thanks - This is awesome early advice for planning a DCC layout..
Glad it was helpful! I am meaning to get to the 'phase 2' with block detection etc. but other modeling project just keeps pushing it out. Hopefully soon...
Good explanations. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Cheers!
I am your fan sir
Thank you Aditya!
Sir ,from where do you buy tracks , locomotives etc , looking forward for ur reply
Different shops depending on what I need. Here are my top 4: modeltrainstuff.com, hattons.co.uk, gaugemaster.com and tonystrains.com
Hey. I am loving all these in-depth series .I am from India and starting out as well and thing are very new to me.I am curious to know , where do you get the supplies for railroading in india.And how about layout plans ?
Thanks for stopping by Abhisar. It is difficult to get most of the advanced things in India. I get them during my trips abroad or call in some favors from my friends who carry them for me. There is one shop that has some pretty extensive collection of Hornby stuff (including DCC train sets and locos) if you're interested in British Railway: tinytown.in/shop?olsPage=t%2Fhornby
Hope this helps.
Cheers!
Kaustav
@@TrainsandDioramas The best part is I stay in China. So I get almost everything here directly or if not importing is a breeze .The only thing I was curious about was how can I pursue it when I return back. Anyways thanks for the help :)
Abhisar if you can source the right things in China then nothing like it. If you make a plan and purchase what you need, plus a little surplus for safety net, you might not need a lot to buy once you return anyway. ;)
@@TrainsandDioramas Yeah correct :D
love your video. but with reference to the switch mods, i don't see one related to that. ?
Thank you Stephane! Unfortunately, I could never managed to get to make the sequel of this series, and considering how much time has passed, I doubt I will pick up this exact one. I am going to start a log of building a model railroad from start to finish in 2021, and that should handle the topic of switch wiring too.
Please take a look at the videos of DCC Guy, Larry Puckett. He has some excellent videos on the subject and his website is a very good technical resource as well: www.dccguy.com/ Hope this helps. Cheers! Kaustav
My grandson is building a model railroad and is having trouble with dead spots in the track. He doesn't seem to be able to find the problem and he wondered if he could lay a small gauge positive wire on the outside of the track, and negative wire on the outside of the opposite side of the track and run those wire all the way around the hook the power supply to those wires instead of to a piece of track. It would be the same amount of electricity running through the wire, but each piece of track would have power. Would doing this work, or would it burn out the locomotives?
Hi - It will work in theory, but it is much harder to lay electric wires on top of metal tracks as opposed to finding the actual problem with the deadspot. I would suggest finding someone who knows basics of electricity and just look around the dead spot to see where the connection to the track is broken. It is most likely at the joint of the track section which needs a solid connection for electricity to flow through. Another suggestion would be to clean the top of the track with a small block of wood (jenga block should work). Hope this helps. Cheers! Kaustav
I just couldn't hear you. The sound cuts in and out depending on your location to the mic throughout the video.
Sorry, this was my frist video in this format where I didn't have a lav mic, and the phone mic was just not enough. I thought of taking the video down before but kept it because it's an important topic, but I guess I just have to make up my mind and unlist it. Thanks for the visit and pointing it out.
who makes that smoking engine? and what decoder you using inside?
Broadway Limited Imports. They use proprietary decoders tha come factory fitted.
Where are you from ?
Brother please say where did you buyed that engines and tracks
I am sure from my experience its mostly imported!
What you show is not what the title says. I asked how to wire DCC. Not signaling.
Well, if you watch the full video you will know that it is exactly what the title says - how to wire DCC... properly.