perhaps this is a well-known practice, but it just occurred to me while browsing the web. I have not seen any information regarding short detection while assembling track, and/or connecting the feeder wires. it occurred to me that simply connecting a continuity detector to the feeder lines will give an audible alert that there is a short. of course, this is without connecting the track to the power source yet. track shorts may not be a big issue with a small layout, but with a big layout, i would prefer knowing there is a short, when i make it, rather than later when i connect power and have no idea where the short is. ~Travis
it's easier [imo] to hook up a DC power source at the same time as you assemble track. it can be powered up at anytime to run trains on what you do have assembled, and at the same time check for shorts / power drops
could be easier, though i prefer to test for shorts non-violently having a continuity detector connected continually may be safer. however, a lamp connected in series with the power, and the feed would accomplish a visual alert as well. I guess either method has it's merits. i am sure everyone has their own ideas. i just thought an audio alert would be easier to monitor from the far-end of a layout. ~Travis
i had 8 led's set up to monitor each section of track, so i had visual alerts as well... still havent gotten around to seperating the sections , still all one power section , lol
trying not to stray too far from "How To", i had to box up what i had due to a need for the space it was occupying. so i am back to scratch. I can see the benefit of LEDs. opposed polarity LEDs in particular. ~Travis
I keep a multimeter at hand and check for shorts as I add each length of track and each set of feeders. It takes only a few seconds to check for a short between the rails, and then on to the next set of feeders. - Jeff
Currently wiring my layout. My track runs east-west, so I have assigned rails as being north-south. My convention is south rail is red, north rail is green. Every so often I pump some voltage in the main bus (#12awg) and check the feeders. I am just about done and had one short which was not because of crossing feeders, but because I forgot to cut one of the gaps in a "WYE". The booger drove me nuts until I "finally" had a "duhhh" moment and figured it out. While I don't stop and check every feeder after each solder, I do check them (for both continuity and voltage drop) with a meter when a block or large section is done. Checking is a good practice that can save you time no matter your method. So, in addition to checking the feeders... Remember the insulated gaps!!!
