Are crossovers a no no when using DCC?

TrainNut

Ditat Deus
Are crossovers a no no when using DCC? I'd like to utilize some but I don't want to risk shorting the system out when the wheels go through the crossover.
 

baldwinjl

Member
The short answer is no. Depending on the track configuration, you might need to adjust the gapping/wiring of the crossover.
 

Gary Pfeil

Active Member
Specifically, page 25 of the DCC wiring presentation on the above link shows how to handle double track crossovers. What it does not show is that each of the double tracks must be wired the same polaity. In DC, we are used to having these two tracks wired opposite, which is why crossovers can create problems. In DCC, instead of + and minus, the polarities are referred to as 1 and 2, at least in the instructions I have from Tony's for their circuit breakers and reverse modules. For both of the double track north rails, they should be rail 1, both south rails rail 2. Then the crossover does not create a reverse block, the reverse block will be the loop at the end, as shown.
 

Gary Pfeil

Active Member
Huh, I was told the gaps in an Atlas crossover is sufficient enough.

They are as long as the double track they connect are wired the same. I did not address possible problems due to turnout gaps. I was only discussing the reversing aspect. If what I refer to as a power routing turnout, that is one where the frog polarity switches depending on the throwbar position, is used gaps will be required between the two turnouts.
 
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