[Richard Johnson]

*** A 3 way point requires the two solenoids to be independent not switched together - so no matter what you use you will need two sets of outputs.

The most cost effective multi-point decoder is the Lenz LS150 - its also the easiest to programme (Pauls digitrax is a good unit but unless you undertand CV use backwards, programming is a bit like trying to cook while reading a recipe in latin)

The big issue with changing multiple solenoids together is the abiity of the power supply - a peco PL10 for example has 4 ohm coils, so needs a momentary power of 4 amps at 16 volts.

Two will need 8 amps. THAT is why accessory decoders have problems, why you cannot use track power for solenoids and why many of you have problems with point motors.... high current needs big wire to connect things (32/02 for example) and big power supplies!

regards

Richard
DCCconcepts

 

[Richard Johnson]

QUOTE (Edwin @ 30 Jul 2008, 15:47) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hence you only need thick wires between the decoder and the point itself, you can have thinner wires back to the power supply which can also be much lower rated (or you could use track power). .

***Sorry... but yes, a local CDU to each point helps but that is simply not true as a general comment. light wire for power applications is never a good idea and shouldn't be encouraged. You cannot change the laws of physics. when the distance is longer the need for wire gauge remains. terms like "lighter" are also dangeous to use, as modellers tend to use too light wire often!

It is also NEVER a good idea to connect accessory devices to the track bus for power supply purposes, as this leads to loading of the track bus and also contributes to a disturbance of the control waveform that causes control issues that increase in proprtion to the complexity of the layout.

A separate accessory power bus should be run for point decoders wherever possible - and that is always as long as one is willing to do the added installation

Richard
DCCconcepts