I was testing out some of my layout this weekend after installing some feeders and using my DCC unit. When i crossed over on two turnouts it shorted out. I was wondering what the problem might be. Do i need to put a nother insulated joiner between the two turnouts and do i need to do this where ever two turnouts connect together.
What brand of turnouts are you using? How they are wired and insulated will vary with the brand and also where they are located( i.e reverse loop, crossover etc.) It would help if you could show on a layout drawing where the problem is and how you have it wired now.
here is a diagram of the layout The problem is in the middle of the layout. Switchs two and three is where the problem is i am using Kato nu 6 switchs. [ October 20, 2005, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: sapacif ]
It is still difficult to determine where the problem might be but it appears from the plan that there is at least one reverse loop on the right side of the layout plan. And another one towards the upper left. Is that correct? If these are indeed reverse loops and if these are the areas you are having problems, the solution is to install an auto reverser for each reverse loop. There are ways to use one reverser for multiple reverse loops, it depends on your operations. Here is a link to Loys Toys. The ARSC is manufactured by Loys Toys and has some capabilities not available from the Digitrax version. The Digitrax version may be simplier to use though (D-AR1). Also the link to the ARSC has some really good info. There is allot of useful info available from Loys Toys and their service is pretty good from what I hear. I have not done business with these guys yet. If these are not reverse loops, then look at your power routing setting on the Kato switches to verify they are set correctly. I am sure someone else on here can explain all of this better than I am attempting.
Alan: You might have another reverse loop that you didn't anticipate. Try isolating the two turnouts with plastic railjoiners for starters. Stay cool and run steam.....
You should isolate the whole section between turnout 4 and including turnout 5. Place insulated joiners on both diverging route rals from #4. Place insulated joiners on both diverging rails of # 5 (between 5 and 6) and also on the straight route from #5. (heading back to turnout #2) This will make turnout #5 part of the reversing loop. Martin Myers
I use DC. I always isolate both rails coming off both neds of a turnout, i.e., I cut all four rails with a dremel-style saw. I make sure, of course, that each isolated section of rail is connected to a bus wire of appropriate color. I've done this on three different layouts, and I did not have any problems with shorting out. I used Peco insulfrog and electrofrog and Atlas turnouts. It's extra work, but the payoff is woth it.
If you indeed have used Peco turnouts the problem may be in one (or more) of them. Prooving it will involve taking them up to check to see if the routing wires underthe turnouts have come in contact with one another. This happened twice on my "old" layout and was the reason that I did not use Peco turnouts on my new one. Not knocking Peco. Just trying to help you with your problem. I live in the Cleveland area. If you need some help with hands-on diagnosis email me.
