subject: Why Would You Ever Want To Use Dcc Track Wiring On A Model Train Layout? [print this page] DCC track wiring can be somewhat of a foreign term to those who are beginning in the model train hobby. For those of you who have been hobbyists for years probably know quite a bit of information on DCC track wiring, but the basics are still important to remember.
The basics of DCC wiring and why it is necessary:
First, DCC stands for Digital Command Control. DCC is in place so that commands can be sent to more than one locomotive at a time. This is important because you will most likely want to run more than one train on a layout of yours, and you will need a system that can perform that specific task. That is where DCC comes into play.
DCC is a great innovation because you can set up multiple locomotives without separate command areas. They can all be running on one through your DCC system. The reason for you DCC system is to be able to monitor and control the momentum, sounds, turnouts and signaling of your locomotive between each other and the track.
How does the DCC track wiring work?
To begin the process, your throttle that is attached to your command system will apply certain voltage to your track. Your loco motors and headlights that connect directly in to your track will vary in speed and intensity due to the amount of voltage you use. This is simple to understand, because the more electricity you supply the more your motors and headlights can function.
Electrical current is sent to the rails and feeder wires by the electricity source of your locomotive motor. If each loco motor controls the current flow of electricity then they will all function the same if they are hooked up to only one throttle. This is where the use of multiple throttles comes into play because you will most likely want to move locomotives at different speeds than each other. If you want to control more than one train then you will need to break up your layout of control blocks so that each locomotive will have a separate throttle.
Your DCC components put out fixed electricity on your tracks. The certain component that is dubbed the "decoder," has the ability to receive information from the tracks and interpret the commands that are being sent along the wires. This is rather important because DCC works so that you don't have to have more complicated wiring systems than you need. DCC uses multiple components that work independently on one track so that you don't have to wire them independently.
How do you choose a good DCC system?
The choice is all yours. It is hard for anyone to tell you exactly what to do because it is all a matter of opinion and preference. What experts can recommend is this:
1. Find a good system from a dealer near to you. This way you will always have a source of contact whenever a question arises, that is, assuming they know their subject and products. Also, you will be able to return to that store if you have any maintenance needs.
2. Ask any buddies of your own that do train modeling as well. Ask them what type of DCC systems they use and how they wire their systems. If they are your friend, or belong to a model railroad club, then they will most likely give you the best advice out of anyone.
3. Go and test out DCC track wiring systems. There is no better way to find what you want than by testing it out for yourself. You can never know how good a DCC track wiring system is just by word of mouth until you have tried it for yourself.
