
feeders per power district.
The actual wire gauges used (AWG) can be increased or decreased,
depending on your actual layout dimensions and operating
power/current loads.
4.3 Other Track Wiring Considerations
1. Power connections to a large layout should be via a parallel conductor
power bus similar to that used in most conventional layouts, with
feeder wires to the track about every 6-10 feet.
2. When using more than one booster, be sure that the Rail A and Rail B
connections for all boosters are made in the same track orientation,
i.e. Rail A to left rail and Rail B to right rail or vice versa.
3. Do not short either the Rail A or Rail B output of the DB150 to
Ground.
4. To minimize the possibility of radio interference, twist all conductors.
5. Circulating ground loops may cause problems with your DCC layout.
We often see this on existing layouts that have been added on to
over the years. If you are experiencing problems in a localized area
of your layout, you may need to look for this problem and fix it.
6. Wire the power feeds away from the boosters and command stations,
in a radial “star like” configuration to minimize the possibility of
creating “magnetic induction” loops.
7. Do not place ANY filters or capacitors across the track. These will
short out the DCC signals. Be sure that no capacitors are bridging
your DCC power districts.
4.4 Layout Power Districts
A DCC power district is an electrically isolated section of the layout including
the power wiring, DCC booster and power supply that drives it. Power districts
are used for power distribution, not for train control as with DC blocks. Power
districts may be divided into sub-districts for short circuit management within
the power district or for auto reversing. Even though blocking is not required
for train operation with DCC, dividing the layout up into power districts (and
sub-districts) may be needed:
1. Additional power districts may be needed to provide enough power to
operate more locomotives than one power supply alone can handle.
For example a 5 amp booster and power supply will operate between
10 and 15 average N-scale locomotives and between 6 and 10 HO
locomotives. If you wish to run more locos on your layout, then you
will need to set up more power districts to provide more total power.
2. Additional power districts and sub-districts can be used to prevent the
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