How to wire for DCC?

[keeper]

I will build a test track like a dogbone and want to use the Kato double crossover. I understand that the thing is electrically isolated in the middle.
I'm not sure about it, but is it in the end just a reverse loop?

[Maletrain]

A simple "dog-bone" has the 2 parallel tracks phased oppositely for a crossover, unless the ends of the dog-bone are isolated and the parallel section is phased to be compatible with a crossover.  The double crossover creates 2 reversing loops. So, without changing the phase of one of the parallel tracks to match the other, you will get a short when the train uses the crossover.

The usual way to solve the problem is to isolate sections of the end loops and user autoreversers for them, with the parallel track section being wired so that the tracks are in-phase for crossovers.

The double crossover is isolated between the 2 tracks, but the outside rail is continuous in the straight through direction on both sides.  The inside rails are isolated in the straight-through direction.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

If you think you're going to be using the crossover regularly, I'd put the entire side (the straight track from one loop to another) on an auto reverser to make your life easier.

[keeper]

Ok, if I got all the above right, are we talking about something like this?

[nickelplate759]

I believe that can work, with one caveat - you must take care that a train is never longer than a reversing section, or bad things might happen - typically a short will be detected and the system will shut down.

That's true in general, by the way.  You can minimize the likelihood of problems by using non-conductive wheelsets in your rolling stock (i.e. no track-powered lighting) and not using pushers.

[keeper]

I believe that can work, with one caveat - you must take care that a train is never longer than a reversing section, or bad things might happen - typically a short will be detected and the system will shut down.

That's true in general, by the way.  You can minimize the likelihood of problems by using non-conductive wheelsets in your rolling stock (i.e. no track-powered lighting) and not using pushers.

You're right, long trains migth be an issue, but it will be mainly just a long test layout. So I think in this case it is not a problem.

[peteski]

If you will only run single short train you should be able to just use a single reverser wired to  the center section (both loops can be both powered from directly from the booster).

[keeper]

If you will only run single short train you should be able to just use a single reverser wired to  the center section (both loops can be both powered from directly from the booster).

Define short .... 
The middle section will be about 3.5m (~11ft) long.

[Sumner]

Would ever have more than one train entering or exiting that section at the same time.  That could present a problem.

Sumner

[peteski]

Would ever have more than one train entering or exiting that section at the same time.  That could present a problem.

Sumner

That is correct. That is why I did mentioned "only run single short train".

Multiple trains (or long train with metal wheels which is longer than the length of the reversing section) crossing the gap of a reversing loop would be problematic.

[keeper]

No, it will only run one train at a time no longer than the reversing loop.

[Sumner]

Sounds good then...

Sumner