On a DC layout, is it possible to use 2 power packs on the same line? My layout is 5 X 14, and walking doesn't come easy to me. If I used power on one side, but always left the throttle at zero, would I be able to power up on the other side instead of always having to walk around and back and forth? I realize polarity would be a prime consideration.

Any time you have a hard job, always give it to the laziest guy. He will always find the easiest way. I'm trying.

Lynn

Lynn,

I would suggest you use a throwover switch. Take your main feeder to the rails and switch between power packs. I wouldn't put two power packs in parallel the way you want to. The one with the lowest voltage (even set to zero) would try to suck power from the higher one. If you need a wiring diagram, just ask.

ezdays Wrote:Lynn,

I would suggest you use a throwover switch. Take your main feeder to the rails and switch between power packs. I wouldn't put two power packs in parallel the way you want to. The one with the lowest voltage (even set to zero) would try to suck power from the higher one. If you need a wiring diagram, just ask.

An even more important reason to always isolate power packs from each other is the potential for one pack to blow out the power transistor of the other pack. At least that is what the retired electronics engineer in our club warned us about before we went over to wireless dcc, and traded that potential problem for some fresh problems. We did improve operation tremendously however! The change was definitely worth the new problems.

Thanks for the replies. My layout is small enough that by the time I switch over, undo, turn off, and unplug, It would be faster to just walk around. I'll just leave well enough alone.

I have the tracks laid and glued down, bridges and all. Trains run smooth, so it is hands off for now.

Lynn

No need to do all that Lynn. Just leave both power packs on, but use one switch (double-pole, double-throw) to select one or the other.

Since I haven't put in all my feeder wires yet, I may just do that. Thanks

Lynn

What might be good for you is a relay to select the power pack. My buddy that runs Lostock Junction does that with 4 cabs -- he has relays that are really like twin-coil switch machines with contacts. You could put a button on each side to let you select the cab from either location or a single button to select just the nearest cab.

My layout has a similar issue...two transformers of one mainline. One transformer is DC and the other is DCC. I use a knife switch to select one or the other dependent upon which locomotive it is that I'm running...as ezdays suggests.

You could split your layout electrically and power each half with one control unit, but keep the units side by side where you can work both. As your train moves into the second "block, you just move your hand to that controller. The entire layout stays powered all the time.

Looks like there is a jillion ways for me to be lazy. Maybe an off-on switch for one wire on each cab. When I Finish one cab, flip the switch, same on second one. That way, I can use whichever one I'm closest to and the other is completely out of the circuit. ???

Lynn

You could even be lazier like me and use Atlas components instead of wiring DPDT switches. I broke my layout into blocks that can be controlled by one of two power packs based on which cab I've selected with the Atlas component switches. I can send a train from one side of the room to another, switch cab control, walk over to the other side of the layout, and spot cars with the other power pack. Its the old fashioned version of walk around control.

Ralph

yellowlynn Wrote:Looks like there is a jillion ways for me to be lazy. Maybe an off-on switch for one wire on each cab. When I Finish one cab, flip the switch, same on second one. That way, I can use whichever one I'm closest to and the other is completely out of the circuit. ???

Lynn

You could, but you would (or should) have to use each switch to disable the other cab so as to prevent having both being connected to the rails at the same time. A single DPDT switch located between the two is the easiest to wire.

Atlas components are actually DPST switches...they are just packed in a case that says "Atlas" and costs more than a similar switch from Radio Shack. If both transformers are DC...a DPST toggle switch would be fine. I've done the dual power district thing before and would avoid it like the plague...it is a terrible idea (speaking from experience).

Right! They are...but they are a lot simpler to wire for people with Specific Electrical Work Disinterest Disorder like me!
Ralph

Ralph Wrote:Right! They are...but they are a lot simpler to wire for people with Specific Electrical Work Disinterest Disorder like me!
Ralph

There are treatment centers for this Ralph. You no longer have to be ashamed of such disorders. People like you have been know to enter into the mainstream of electronic life in just a few short years. Don't put it off, they have easy pay plans and an enforcement network that makes you wish you never missed a payment, or reverted back to your old ways.