As soon as I put the 7 passenger cars on, signal drops but only on the block approaching the bridge.
There are some passenger cars that can degrade the DCS signal, sometimes severely. Known offenders are easier Golden Gate cars. This may be your problem.
If so, the solution is to insert an RF choke inline with each car's pickup rollers, as discussed on page 157 of The DCS Companion 3rd Edition and page of The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition:
Some, but not all, TMCC engines will degrade the DCS signal of any DCS engine with which they are in close proximity. This effect varies both by individual TMCC engine and by the distance between the TMCC and DCS engines. In many cases, an RF choke inserted in the Hot wire between the pickup rollers and the TMCC engine's circuit board will correct this problem.
Some lighted cabooses, most notably those manufactured by Atlas O, may degrade the DCS signal, as may some engines or passenger cars with constant voltage (CV) lighting boards. Again, an RF choke inserted in the Hot wire between the pickup rollers and the circuit board in these cars will generally correct this problem. Although a number of different RF chokes may be effective in reducing interference from CV boards, one that has an electrical value of 22uh (micro henries) is known to work well.
 | This and a whole lot more about DCS is all in MTH’s “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store! |
 | This and a whole lot more about DCS WiFi is all in MTH’s “The DCS WiFi Companion 2nd Edition!" |
