Comments on: Wiring to Power Busses and Soldering Track https://blog.model-train-help.com/2020/06/wiring-power-busses-soldering-track.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wiring-power-busses-soldering-track Model railroads and model trains Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:02:14 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Bob RImm https://blog.model-train-help.com/2020/06/wiring-power-busses-soldering-track.html#comment-38604 Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:02:14 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=5644#comment-38604 One important item needs to be mentioned regarding wiring for Model trains power. Because of the “computerization” of out trains, it is important to use stranded wire for the power. By using stranded wire, any control signals that go through them will have the best minimal resistance to the various frequency control signals that are now used. Even if the control signals are transmitted through the air, the “RF ground plane” for the system will be the rails. If you put down grounded copper foil under the tracks to improve reception, it still must handle the RF signals between the ground plane and the AC ground. RF needs stranded wire to get a good ground across the RF spectrum that is used.

]]> By: Robert Schwrom https://blog.model-train-help.com/2020/06/wiring-power-busses-soldering-track.html#comment-38576 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 16:43:23 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=5644#comment-38576 Lightly twist your buss wires, as recommended. Leave this buss wire “ring” open. Do not close this ring to avoid possible reflections of signal on the lines. I use 14 gauge buss and about 20 gauge droppers droppers. Consider placing your DCC power pack about in the middle of the buss ring to cut down on cable length to the “ends”.
I put a dropper on every track sectin, and do not solder the joiners. How would you eve get this stuff apart without destroying it?

I like stranded wire and tin it before joining it. It is more flexible to work with.

Pass feeders down thru the deck with soda straws so the wires do not hang up in the hole.

]]> By: mike https://blog.model-train-help.com/2020/06/wiring-power-busses-soldering-track.html#comment-38570 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:12:09 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=5644#comment-38570 I used 22 gauge for feeders 3 ft apart no need to go bigger. The biggest lroblem with electrical transmission is dirty track. I also find no need to solder track together. Of your feeders are 3 ft apart you will have ample current

]]> By: geoff https://blog.model-train-help.com/2020/06/wiring-power-busses-soldering-track.html#comment-38561 Wed, 10 Jun 2020 04:03:38 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=5644#comment-38561 In addition to what Dale says, keep the feeder wires short. NCE sells wiring packs and the feeder wires (22 gauge) are 16 inches long.

]]> By: Dale Arends https://blog.model-train-help.com/2020/06/wiring-power-busses-soldering-track.html#comment-38551 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:10:21 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=5644#comment-38551 Actually, smaller is generally better for the feeder wires, 20 or 24 gauge would be fine. The trick to good track power isn’t larger wire but having more feeders. Drop a pair of feeders from the rails to the busses every three or four feet. Save the larger wire, 12 or 14 gauge, for the power bus and, if the layout is large, consider a DCC power booster.

]]>