Fastrack Connectivity Signal Strength

Actually it is recommended to have a block feeder for every 10 to 12 track joints. That could be 30' or 30". It's the connections that can cause problems, and your chances for a poor one increase as the number increases. Sounds like you are getting to the exciting part now.

John H,

   You sir are absolutely correct, no matter the length of each track section, it's the Track joins on FasTrack that degrade the DCS signal, as long as the layout is run with good quality 14 Gauge stranded wire.  I further step the stranded wire size down, just before attaching it to the FasTrack clip, under the track.  I have wired in both the Star pattern and the Buss pattern, and achieved all 10's for my DCS signal.  Always over power your layout and run your TIU from the Aux with remote power.  I Recommend the RS power supply.  Never worry about DCS signal running thru your switches, no matter how many switches you engineer into your FT layout.  

Good engineering question Marsh!  Let us know how you progress with your layout.  Some pictures while you build would be nice.

PCRR/Dave

Ok I'm not only a newbie to this forum, I am also a newbie to train'n. I belong to a few other forums of other interest but the layout of this one is much different and will take a little adjusting to. Also, I did not see an intro thread, so I have not done that either. But please allow me to ask a question if you will.

What are you guys talking about adding additional wiring for x-number pieces of track - first I've heard of this; please have mercy, remember I'm a newbie.

Hey John & Dave, thanks for the response, and I will introduce my layout hopefully early this year, right now I'm finishing up my track lighting for my display cases, then its on to clearing and cleaning the table top of the first level.  On the first level I'll be using Atlas O track entirely but in my zeal and excitement I bought 2 layouts worth of Fastrack for the second and third level.  I've calmed down a bit, and I'm not knocking Fastrack but I want to make sure when wiring I do it correctly.  I haven't acquired a DCS system as of yet, I'm familiar with Legacy but not an expert yet.  4G-MAN, we're referencing attaching or soldering feeder wires along the length of your track for the sake of power and signal strength.  My question was I wasn't sure if this procedure was necessary with Fastrack.

Greg,

Good to hear from you. If you pay attention to how the track is assembled only one or two feeder pairs are needed with FasTrack. if you look at the movie at the end of this thread this layout is built by a first timer with one PH180 and one connection. It's 44 feet long. legacy command.

Yes, multiple power feeds do overcome any minor connectivity issues and isolated blocks are necessary for DCS operation.

So, if you are planning to operate with DCS, wire for it with isolated blocks.

Dig through the FasTrack inventory and find 6-12073 1 3/8" tracks with a center rail wire and any 6-12060 5" block tracks. You can identify those with a thin cut in the center rail and jumper wires on the bottom.

You would use those to create the isolated blocks when creating the track plan.

You'll need the insulating track joiners for the Atlas track.

Only the center rail needs to be insulated for DCS. None for TMCC/Legacy, only a few additional power feed pairs or a layout wired for DCS.

Sorry, we went to the Chili Bowl in Tulsa tonight; grandson was getting tired from the fuel, exhaust, dust, and whatnot - tends to dry the eyes out. Anyway a few things I don't really understand and that is the acronyms

• PH180
• DCS
• TMCC/Legacy

I have not looked the suggested part numbers yet but will directly to see what they are.

Ok, I looked those two Fastrack numbers up and I'm sorry, I just don't get it - other than their size for fitting something together, I just don't get it. I may have to figure it out when I am building my layout, which I hope to be soon. Something won't work right and they will come into play.

4G-Man posted:

Sorry, we went to the Chili Bowl in Tulsa tonight; grandson was getting tired from the fuel, exhaust, dust, and whatnot - tends to dry the eyes out. Anyway a few things I don't really understand and that is the acronyms

• PH180 Lionel Powerhouse 180 - a transformer with a fixed voltage output of ~ 18v  and 10 amps.
• DCS - MTH Trains acronym for their remote command system
• TMCC/Legacy - Lionel's acronym/name for their remote command system - Train Master Command Control & then revised to Legacy

I have not looked the suggested part numbers yet but will directly to see what they are.

 

4G-Man posted:

Ok, I looked those two Fastrack numbers up and I'm sorry, I just don't get it - other than their size for fitting something together, I just don't get it. I may have to figure it out when I am building my layout, which I hope to be soon. Something won't work right and they will come into play.

There are wiring techniques used to created breaks in the connection of rails to accomplish different results. MTH DCS remote command signal performs best when used on lengths of rail (center rail) that are not too long.

When using the FasTrack track system, one can use these factory tracks to create the electrical breaks by removing a jumper underneath. The photo of the small pieces is not the correct product. There is a slit in the rail, like in the 5" piece photo. The 5" also has breaks in the outside rails used for other control techniques.

Robert Schleicher's FasTrack books would be very helpful. There are other books available on layout wiring. Also, Lionel has a CS2011 channel on YouTube with videos of techniques and system information.

Now that you have derailed this thread, would you please re-rail the train?

I guess this thread did get derailed...sorry.

Yes, 4G-Man, if you have questions about basic information or for your particular needs that deviate from the original question too much, start a new thread or use the search function on this forum. All the information was there. Don't interrupt a focused question.

Back to the original poster's question. There is nothing better about FasTrack in terms of electrical conductivity or maintaining signal strength, so you'll need to add feeds as recommend. In fact, if you have taken apart and reassembled your FasTrack several times, you are going to have electrical problems at the joint. Those tabs that transmit power tend to bend enough to make electrical continuity spotty.