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Reply to "Lionel Fast Track Switches"

This is where I saw the original post about not using track power to power FT Switches when using DCS (and GRJ's RF choke suggestion) and I'm sure there have been other posts as well.

Barry, has anyone ever tried adding RF chokes to the Fastrack switches to eliminate this issue?  Just wondering if you've ever heard of a fix.  With the command switches, it's very handy to just plop them into the layout and not have to wire anything, that's the reason I ask.

 

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing.
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John,

 

Running the DCS signal through a magnet coil or the coil of a motor is a different source of interference than that caused by a CV board. I don't know if an RF choke would nullify that particular form of interference.

Barry

 

DCS Ambassador & author of The DCS Companion series of books

Train-Ca-Teers - All For O and O For All!

 

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I guess it just has to be tested.   However, Fastrack switches have a very small DC motor to activate the switch tracks, so there are no "magnet coils".  If you can run a locomotive around with a motor, it would seem these would be similar.

 

Nothing is so easy as the job you imagine someone else doing.
()

I like the idea of track power, but I suspect adding a choke may be necessary to solve the DCS compatibility issues.  Note that many Legacy and even some TMCC locomotives require an RF choke to avoid interference with DCS locomotives.  I suspect Barry's comment is based on experience with folks having issues with them on track power, so something would probably have to be done.

 

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