Wireing question for a DPDT.

[old trackman]

I have a nice layout which is 3x7 and sometimes I will run DC and sometimes DCC.If anybody's an artist, I would like to see how to wire a DPDT switch so I can run DC or DCC.I need something real clear.

[rogerw]

two center contacts to track and two outer left to dc and two outer right to booster on dcc

[old trackman]

So, If I have a power pack that runs two DC locomotives,how do you run them wires?Cab A and Cab B.Can I use the same feeder wiress for DC and DCC?

[rogerw]

you would need two dpdt switches.

[old trackman]

That makes more sense to have two of them. Can anyone provide a diagram?
A DPDT swith for the DC and one for the DCC?

[Spawn of Chaos]

I would run one DC transformer and the DCC system through one DPDT switch, then, for 2-CAB operation on DC power, I would use an Atlas Controller or two. I would just leave the Controller on the "A" CAB selection when using DCC regardless of where trains were on the layout and would use the Controller to switch back and forth when running DC.

Actually, I'm building a control box that's sort of like this, except it's only between a single DC transformer and a Digitrax DCS50. I'm using two DPDT switches, one to switch back and forth between DC and DCC and one to switch the DCC input between running and programming!

[MasonJar]

You don't need to have two switches. Substitute the DCC for one (1) DC cab (e.g. cab A), and set all the blocks for cab A. Then throw your DC/DCC selector, and away you go. You are basically choosing between DC Cab A and DCC. DC Cab B does not enter into the equation, since it is already deselected by the cab selectors.


Andrew

[seanm]

"You don't need to have two switches. Substitute the DCC for one (1) DC cab (e.g. cab A)"

This is true, but be sure to double gap all track blocks. You don't want to be using common rail wiring and have one cab on DC and one on DCC.

[MasonJar]

"You don't need to have two switches. Substitute the DCC for one (1) DC cab (e.g. cab A)"

This is true, but be sure to double gap all track blocks. You don't want to be using common rail wiring and have one cab on DC and one on DCC.

This is also true, but you really should not attempt to run the layout with DC and DCC at the same time. Perhaps another switch is needed after all - an ON/OFF switch for Cab B.

Andrew

[Spawn of Chaos]

And if you read MY post carefully, the only time I mentioned 2 DPDT switches was in switching my DCC command station from running to programming without having to undo wires.

[old trackman]

All I want to do is to be able to shut power off to the DC when I run the DCC locos. Then if I run the DC locos I can shut power off to the DCC. I would never dream of running them at the same time.Anybody have a real good diagram for me?????

[woodone]

Install a two wire socket that goes to your layout. (track feed and or buss) then get a two wire plug for your DC and a second one for your DCC .
Plug the DC in and run trains with DC. Unplug and insert DCC plug and run DCC. No switches, and you will never have both hooked up at the same time. DC and DCC systems don't like one another.

[old trackman]

Two wire socket????????Two wire plug???????? If I knew what these we're I would be in bussiness.Woodone, would you happen to have a step by step procedure?Sounds good, could ya give me some more info how to do this and where to get the supplies?

[rogerw]

If you want to go the plug rout you could use the jones cinch plug. These are what get used for modular layouts.
Cinch - P-302-CCT - Allied Electronics

[MasonJar]

Henry,

Flat trailer plugs also come in a 2 and 4 wire version. You can probably find these at your local hardware store more easily than the Cinch-Jones plugs.

Andrew