Model Railroading > DCC with Overhead wire?

Are there any traction modelers out there with powered overhead wire using DCC? I suppose a keep alive or other brand decoder would help.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/24/20 10:35 by wabash2800.

What would be the advantage/purpose of live wire with DCC? The only reason I could see to do this is just because you can.

Would completely solve problems with powering frogs, reverse loops, etc.  And I think honestly "because you can" would be enough of a reason to try it, but I'd have to imagine trolley pole pickup wouldn't be nearly as reliable as through the rails.

Yes, you would have one wire to the track and one to the overhead... and a keep alive decoder might solve the other problem.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

NDHolmes Wrote:
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> Would completely solve problems with powering
> frogs, reverse loops, etc.  And I think honestly
> "because you can" would be enough of a reason to
> try it, but I'd have to imagine trolley pole
> pickup wouldn't be nearly as reliable as through
> the rails.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/24/20 10:57 by wabash2800.

I do!   Layout is switching only, both rails one polarity.  I couldn't get consistent reliability with battery power.  Went back to dcc, needed and got keep alive, life is good.
john

DCC absolutely no problem. Both rails negative, O/H wire positive.
However, I quit using a keep-alive decoder as you want the loco to stop when it dewires.
Bill in Ft Worth
 

Got rid of the poles and have pantograph.....no more de-wires

wabash2800 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Are there any traction modelers out there with
> powered overhead wire using DCC? I suppose a keep
> alive or other brand decoder would help.
>
> Victor A. Baird
> http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

Check out Trollyville.com. The Southern Calif Traction club runs DCC off overhead wire. Very inovative group.

Posted from Android

Closely following as in street running...?

That's a good point, since often street cars followed each other, especially during busy times. And they made meets too. Now you got me wondering about spring swtiches and DCC.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

railstiesballast Wrote:
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> Closely following as in street running...?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/31/20 15:37 by wabash2800.

"spring swtiches and DCC"
Remember, if you have live overhead the track switches have no effect, electrically. 
No gaps, no rails isolated from each other, no shorts at the switch.
Bill in Ft Worth
 

I just slapped myself on the head for making that comment! You are so right.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com

Bscale316 Wrote:
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> "spring swtiches and DCC"
> Remember, if you have live overhead the track
> switches have no effect, electrically. 
> No gaps, no rails isolated from each other, no
> shorts at the switch.
> Bill in Ft Worth
>  

I got to thinking about this a little more. Since DCC is a bit hotter with the higher amps and AC, it could be a little less forgiving on the overhead and cars? Yes, there is circuit protection but...

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/06/20 20:44 by wabash2800.

Sorry I didn't see your question sooner. 
The DCC has the same voltage and amps as in 2-rail operation.
My system is set at 13.5 V and the motors draw .5 amp or maybe 1 amp for dual motors.
Derailments and dewires don't cause sparking, meltdowns, fires. LOL.
If you ever have any questions, feel free to PM me and I'll try to help.
Bill Hadley in Ft Worth
 

Bill, but DCC is AC and typically higher than 12 volts with more amps (5 amps?) isn't it to run sound etc? To be sure there are safety measures, but shorts that caused burned switch points and melted plastic wheels are not unheard of.

My question has more to do with the nuances of overhead wire and DCC. Overhead wire can have switches in it, etc. and it is my understanding it is not unusual for overhead wire to arc and spark or trolley poles to detach themselves.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/20 10:02 by wabash2800.

Over the years I've read about DCC shorts melting things, esp. with 5 or 10 amp boosters.
But I really don't know enough about it to comment. I know I've never seen anything like that on my layout. ( No boosters, no power districts.)
Have never seen any kind of arcing or sparks on the overhead. When a locomotive derails or dewires, it stops.
I suppose some kind of defective decoder, defective wiring, etc. could be a problem, but have never had that.
All I know is that it works fine. 
If I can be of any help, you're welcome to email me rather than use this forum, at  Bscale316 "at" yahoo.com.
Bill Hadley in Ft Worth

 

Thanks Bill. I'll be in touch.

Victor A. Baird
http://www.erstwhilepublications.com