Power question
 

Hi guys

I have a question about 12v powering of tracks

I use Gaugemaster Combi controllers (so far I have 3 but need a couple more) BUT
How long a track would you use with these controllers??
They are 1 amp controlled on the 12v side and the layout is 24 foot x 12 foot tailchaser with 3 circuits of track not sure of the detailed length of each track but each one has it's own control


The question has arisen as at time some of the controllers heat control over-ride cuts in and it stops the train in motion on that line.

PLEASE NOTE
I am not in position to scrap the lot and go DCC as much as I would like to but as I am now on permanent sickness and un-employed so money is TIGHT

Hi Madcaravaner, if the control box is getting hot, it sound like one of the circuits is shorting try switching the remaining controlers off and just us one and see what happens if that is ok switch that box off and try the other circuit do this with the remaining boxes. check your points as well as these could also be creating a short. with the length of track you state the control box should be ok

The points idea I will check but I have isolated the links between the tracks to prevent that but you never know

The controllers shouldn't be connected to the same length of track at any time because of the way I wired them up but I am wondering if the track lengths are too long

Hi Gray,
If the overheating cutouts are operating, it may be that the wiring to distant parts of the tracks are too small and the voltage drop is too severe. Try using larger diameter wire as busbars. You won't have to replace all your wiring, just insert larger "trunk" cable (busbars) to the distant parts.

I'll check but on most of the layout I used 1.5mm flex as the busbar then 1mm to the track but I will check that track circuit just in case

that is if I can get to my layout at present I'm not able to