@gunrunnerjohn posted:One issue with DCS is that the track and power feed from the transformer actually form a transmission line for the RF signal. That being the case, keeping the two feeds the same length has the potential of improving the signal quality to the track. How much of an improvement is pretty hard to quantify given all the other variables that enter the picture. However, given that fact, I did run power and ground to all my track drops, I figured it wouldn't hurt to try to keep the signals as clean as possible. I don't think it hurt anything, I have great DCS signals all around the layout.
I started trying to remember that transmission line theory and reflections when I realize the engine produces a complex load. I did recall enough to convince me of the desire to creating blocks in the power rails. It would probably take a pretty gross mismatch in feeder lengths to cause issues but as a practical matter it is easier to wire parallel feeder wires.
I almost sprung for twisted pair cables in anticipation of running TMCC/Legacy. But, naw.
