I am rebuilding a layout from the 1980s and updating to DCC. When I bought the layout, it came with dual dc controllers with switches and 6 track segments.
Since going to dcc, its my plan to remove the switches as they are a point for power loss. The other thing I have noticed is that the sound dcc controllers seem to drop early when multiple loco's are running. The wiring looks to be old 16 or 18 gauge. Similar to which was used for the old dual coil switch motors. I do believe its a stranded wire. Many say that 18 gauge can run 10amps low voltage.
What seems to be the norm for bus wire gauge when running a 5 amp layout? I will be keeping my layout segmented, just with out switches. And each segment will have a couple of power feeder wires of 20 or 22 gauge solid core wire.
The other question I have is the type of wire I am thinking of using. I am looking at fine stranded tinned copper wire. As current flows on the outer layer of each wire strand, I believe this should give the best possible chance of power transfer to each segment. Is there any reason to not use tinned copper wire?
John
Since going to dcc, its my plan to remove the switches as they are a point for power loss. The other thing I have noticed is that the sound dcc controllers seem to drop early when multiple loco's are running. The wiring looks to be old 16 or 18 gauge. Similar to which was used for the old dual coil switch motors. I do believe its a stranded wire. Many say that 18 gauge can run 10amps low voltage.
What seems to be the norm for bus wire gauge when running a 5 amp layout? I will be keeping my layout segmented, just with out switches. And each segment will have a couple of power feeder wires of 20 or 22 gauge solid core wire.
The other question I have is the type of wire I am thinking of using. I am looking at fine stranded tinned copper wire. As current flows on the outer layer of each wire strand, I believe this should give the best possible chance of power transfer to each segment. Is there any reason to not use tinned copper wire?
John