Quote from: jward on March 17, 2018, 08:17:39 AM
Re: crossing the gap between sections powered by different EZ commands. As alluded to, this could cause a short. I'd like to amend that to it WILL cause a short. The DCC waveform is a form of AC. The "polarity" is constantly changing. Unless the waveforms of the two command stations are perfectly in phase, which is highly unlikely, they WILL short.


There is another way to run two trains that I haven't seen mentioned here. EZ App trains will run off the power supplied by the EZ command, but are controlled by Bluetooth. You could run one train with EZ command on DCC, and another on EZ App by your cell phone or tablet.

This is a doable option. Thanks everyone.

I'm starting to understand the concepts of gaps and blocks. In terms of bus wiring, I'm almost there. Are the ends of these "DCC BUS" lines simply capped off? and/or can they be used as the last feed?

Thanks.

Got some EXCELLENT info in here. Thanks everyone.

Quote from: Hunt on March 15, 2018, 04:17:55 PM

E-Z Command Control Center  === outer loop terminal rerailer === inter loop terminal rerailer

So, one EZ command === outer loop terminal rerailer === inter loop terminal rerailer === spur terminal rerailer - can do?

Help me out if you can, Hunt.

Imagine connecting inner/outer ovals, with them being blocked from each other. How do I get power to both blocks with only one EZ command?

Explain it to me like I'm a 6-year old. If my EZ command is wired to the outer oval, and blocked from the inner oval, how do I get power to the inner oval?

Quote from: ACY on March 10, 2018, 07:24:08 PM

Quote from: mrmel0 on March 10, 2018, 03:40:54 PM
Can 2 EZ command units be hooked up to the same track so that 2 engineers can play at the same time? One operator per engine for example.

You can only use the walk around companion. Two E-Z Command DCC systems hooked up simultaneously will cause serious problems to say the least. Do not attempt it. You can use 2 systems if you have two loops of track that are electrically isolated and not connected at any point.

So a "block" then, right? Could you use one per block? Could they both be set to the same functions? (Example: Locomotive A assigned to command 1 on both modules, Locomotive B to command 2 on both modules - and now both modules can run the same train alternatively.)

Quote from: bbmiroku on March 13, 2018, 02:54:52 PM
To answer your questions properly,...

'Blocks' are sections of track electrically isolated from others by gaps in the rails.  If you are running DCC equipment, you don't have to worry about them.  In fact, you won't need to worry about the gaps either, as the trains are controlled by you (DCC) instead of the power supplied to the rails (DC).

The power pack included in your set will have enough power to supply your whole setup, even if operating multiple trains.  But you can always buy another one if you want to be sure.  Just don't add it on to the layout until you've noticed a drop in train performance with multiple units running.

The purpose of having all those terminals is to have a place to hook up separate control packs, if you were using DC, because if not, some sections would go without power once you gap the lines (which you won't need to do with DCC).  You only need the one spot, though.

Dude! You explained it to me like I was a 6-year old! I know way more now than I did before your post. Much appreciated!

Brand new. I apologize in advance if my questions are really stupid.

I'm going to start off with something small and simple. I'm looking at this set-up. Please advise if you can, what does it mean by "blocks". I'll have an EZ Command system, exactly what is it that I have to do at those areas marked "G" at the wyes?

Will the Golden Spike ready-to-run N-scale train with DCC command have all the accessories (power) needed to operate this track once the track-pack and extra tracks are added? If not what else will I need?

What is the purpose of having 4 "11.25" radius terminal" at those spots specified?

Any help is much appreciated.

Can 2 EZ command units be hooked up to the same track so that 2 engineers can play at the same time? One operator per engine for example.