The KISS instructions for new Digitrax users

OZARKS MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION

-OMRA-

Power districts

By Jim Quarles

 

Depending on the size of the layout most large DCC layouts will be broken down into power districts.  If for no other reason than if there is a short it won’t stop operations on the  WHOLE layout. It’s also a way of distributing the power so we don’t have to use such large power cables to the various parts of the layout.

 

We have our layout broken down into four power districts now.  We have pilot lights on several of the fascia plug plates where the throttles plug into the layout. When these lights are on the layout track has power. If the power is off, ALL the various pilot lights will be off.  If there is a problem the lights (usually in one district) will possibly be off, burning dimly, or flashing.

 

How do you tell what’s going on if a train stops? Look at the pilot lights for your power district, are they out, but trains are running in other areas you probably have a local short in your district.

 

If ALL the pilot lights are out on the layout and it’s all dead then it’s time to call the electrician.

 

If some of the pilot lights are on and some are off, then check for a short in the power district where the pilot lights are off.

 

DCC systems system can really pump the amps through a short BUT they do have solid state controls that quickly detect a short and turn things off.  If it’s not discovered quickly there is potential for damaging equipment because this control will turn the power on and off as it sees the short again. Over a period of time it can heat things up and cause damage probably through heating of wheel insulation, plastic getting hot near the short etc.  While I’ve personally never seen any damage occur it behooves us to get the short fixed quickly or get the layout power off soon.

 

 

Note - the power control box under our layout has several pilots lights on it.  If the track status light (middle bottom) is out, then all power to the track and all fascia pilot lights should be out.

 

 

 

Information contained in this web site is a compilation of information created for members using Digitrax manuals,  documents and other information gathered from various places.

Disclaimer 

The author or OMRA (Ozarks Model Railroader Association) can not be held  responsible in ANY way for the contents - these documents are offered for use of the membership of the OMRA to enhance their knowledge of the products used by the OMRA in the operation of their equipment on the club layout.

Revised: November 15, 2007