Walthers Code 83 switches

[mc_br...@yahoo.com]

I have several older Walthers Code 83 switches (Walthers Part #
948-804) that apparently do not have isolated frogs. They have since
been replaced by (Walthers Part # 948-8804) DCC friendly switches.

I have no idea how this affects my plans to use my older switches in a
DCC layout.

Could someone please help me to understand if I can still use these
older switches. And, if so, what must I do to make them work?

Many Thanks!
Matt

[Wolf K]

Yes, but you must isolate the frogs by using plastic railjoiners (or
gaps in the rails) when connecting the frog end of the turnouts to the
tracks beyond them. This needs to be done only when turnouts face each
other they do on a passing siding, for example. Otherwise you'll get
short circuits, because when the turnout is thrown, ground and hot sides
will be connected.

Turnouts with isolated frogs merely incorporate the isolation in the
turnout itself (various ways of ding this).

If this isn't clear enough, I suggest you buy one of the books on wiring
a layout. Money (and time) well invested IMO.

HTH
Wolf K.

[mc_br...@yahoo.com]

On Dec 17, 2:46 pm, Wolf K <weki...@sympatico.ca> wrote:

Thanks so much!

I now understand. I will use insulated connectors to avoid any
problems.

[mc_br...@yahoo.com]

On Dec 17 2011, 2:46 pm, Wolf K <weki...@sympatico.ca> wrote:

Hi Wolf,

Might you have a suggestion for a DCC / LED wiring book?

I would like to use LED lighting along the rails and throughout my
first module in buildings, etc. I'm fine using the equations to do the
calculations for resistors, but I remain totally confused about the
input values that I need to use in those equations. A book on wiring
basics for DCC and LED/resistors is a must item going forward for me -
preferably one with some color images, etc. of the examples being
discussed and explained.

Qeustion 1: Do you recommend using a secondary power supply for LED
lighting and leave the rail power to its own power supply???

Thanks Many Times Over!!!
Matt

[Wolf K]

On 03/01/2012 3:32 PM, mc_br...@yahoo.com wrote:
> Hi Wolf,
>
> Might you have a suggestion for a DCC / LED wiring book?

Try:
http://carstensbookstore.com/prgutodicoco.html

or:

http://www.kalmbachstore.com/12417.html

> I would like to use LED lighting along the rails and throughout my
> first module in buildings, etc. I'm fine using the equations to do the
> calculations for resistors, but I remain totally confused about the
> input values that I need to use in those equations. A book on wiring
> basics for DCC and LED/resistors is a must item going forward for me -
> preferably one with some color images, etc. of the examples being
> discussed and explained.

The input values depend on the power source. An old train set power pack
will have enough wattage to run several dozen LEDs, depending on their
power consumption. Unloaded, these usually provide around 16V DC. Under
load that will drop, but I'd use 16V as the nominal input voltage when
calculating the resistor values, so as to ensure the resistors will drop
the voltage into the safe range. LEDs like incandescent bulbs will last
longer with lower voltage.

> Qeustion 1: Do you recommend using a secondary power supply for LED
> lighting and leave the rail power to its own power supply???
>
> Thanks Many Times Over!!!
> Matt

IMO you should never use a single power source for trains and
accessories. On the contrary, each type of accessory (lighting, signals,
animations) should have its own power supply.

To reduce the amount of wiring, you can use common return (common
ground/earth), just make sure you use a colour coding scheme, and adhere
to it strictly. Eg, Green for common ground, and for the hot side, Red
for train power, Yellow for lights, Blue for signals, etc. Controls
(switches, timing devices, etc) must always be placed in the hot side of
the circuit. The ground sides of all power supplies are wired together
using this method.

HTH
Wolf K.