Skip to main content

I have built up some buffer/booster amplifiers for the TMCC/Legacy 455 KHz track signal, and I need volunteers to test the prototypes to help me determine if this is a viable product idea.  I am primarily looking for operators with large layouts that have already tried the well-documented fixes such as ground-signal improvements, but still have troublesome areas on their layouts.  This is a 'brute force' solution to the problem that can typically provide five times as much signal to the track.

Beta testers will be required to conduct a short sequence of test measurements using equipment that I provide to compare "before" and "after" signal strength, and then run any troublesome trains to evaluate the amount of improvement.

I already have some field test data, and it looks quite promising, but moving forward requires enough of a monetary investment that I don't want to run off half-cocked.

Interested parties should probably contact me directly at (805) 529-2496 for more information.

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

A significant part of the improvement is the 'buffer' part of the description.  Many large layouts present a severe overload to the Base's output stage, causing serious distortion and signal amplitude drop.  The buffer has a much higher peak current capability so that it can drive these heavy loads back up to the originally-intended level.

This will be interesting to see the results. I had wanted to try TMCC outside on my G scale. I had heard some results that scared me away from trying it. I think a trackside overhead wire might have been the answer. I would have disguised it on telephone poles.

 I did try it on my basement 2 rail O scale layout. The signal was very strong I believe. I just have a lack of equipment to justify using it. I may try an overhead wire there too, to see if it keeps the DCS signal stronger. It may just have been the missing choke thing.

 I still need to study TMCC/Legacy more down the road. For now, I use it on a separate track to make it easy.

I have been in touch with Bob De Guarde at NJHR regarding a comparison with their vacuum tube amplifier.

Initial tests elsewhere indicate about a 3x improvement on heavily-loaded layouts, and that is good for about 10-12 microamps increase on the signal testers using modified R2LC cards.

I am hand carrying a unit to Phoenix next week.  Anyone in Tucson or Albuquerque interested?  My extended RV trip will take me from L.A. to Las Cruces, NM for a class reunion, then cruising around the southwest for a couple of weeks.

Dale Manquen posted:

I have been in touch with Bob De Guarde at NJHR regarding a comparison with their vacuum tube amplifier.

Initial tests elsewhere indicate about a 3x improvement on heavily-loaded layouts, and that is good for about 10-12 microamps increase on the signal testers using modified R2LC cards.

I am hand carrying a unit to Phoenix next week.  Anyone in Tucson or Albuquerque interested?  My extended RV trip will take me from L.A. to Las Cruces, NM for a class reunion, then cruising around the southwest for a couple of weeks.

this place is in Phoenix az

http://www.pandprr.com/thepandprr/Home.html

Dale,

First, this is a fabulous idea.  I hope it pans out.

Second, while I would love to test it, the timing just doesn't work.  Shortly the first Panhandle will be in tear-down mode (it's only 10'x18' anyway).  Serious construction on Panhandle 2.0 (11' x 47') probably won't begin until late 2017.

Just bad luck.

Anyway, I wish you the best in this endeavor and I might end up being a customer.

George

Dale,

I have an S gauge layout built about 35 ft long and 8 ft wide, powered with Legacy Cab1-L. I have installed the ground to the entire track system but, still have a few places where occasionally an engine will lose the signal and stall with the headlight blinking. One place where the problem occurs is on a metal bridge crossing over another track, the other place is where there are three parallel tracks. This has occurred with a single engine and with engines in a consist. I am not sure if this is the kind of situation you are looking for or not.

Ray

Rayin"S" posted:

Dale,

I have an S gauge layout built about 35 ft long and 8 ft wide, powered with Legacy Cab1-L. I have installed the ground to the entire track system but, still have a few places where occasionally an engine will lose the signal and stall with the headlight blinking. One place where the problem occurs is on a metal bridge crossing over another track, the other place is where there are three parallel tracks. This has occurred with a single engine and with engines in a consist. I am not sure if this is the kind of situation you are looking for or not.

Ray

you can try Dale's fix.

but in the mean time ground the metal bridge.  we have a metal signal bridge and had the same issue, soldered a wire to the bridge and ran the wire to the center screw of a close electrical outlet and signal issue gone.

Dale Manquen posted:

Ray, this can be applied to any gauge that is running TMCC/Legacy.

George, good luck on your new version of the Panhandle. 

I consider the Buffer/Booster to be a last resort after you have applied all of the normal "earth ground enhancement" techniques, not a knee jerk reaction to start solving problems.

Dale,

Thanks for the good wishes.  We will endeavor to use best practices to make the new Panhandle electrically sound.  If we encounter issues and ground plane fixes don't correct them, you'll hear from me.

In the meantime, good luck on your beta trial and best wishes on the product launch.

George

Hi Dale. We down at Angels Gate Hi Railers in San Pedro would love to be a beta tester. We have many areas where the signal is not very good. Have installed wire mesh as well as overhead wires connected to earth ground. Still some weak areas. Our layout would be ideal for you to "play with". Our members get frustrated when their engine stops and light flickers-indicative of weak signal. We also have a long tunnel which is problematic. Kindly let me know if you are interested.

Jeff

Thanks to Dale for visiting our layout on Saturday. Sure enough, the signal was increased 3 times in a bad area. Matt Jackson will be posting some pictures showing the results. If, and when, you are ready on this Dale, please put us down for one.

Thanks for putting up with us on Saturday. It was a pleasure to see you. You are always welcome to visit and experiment on our layout. All the best.

Jeff

Was good to see you again Dale. I was impressed with what I saw.

Here are the scans Jeff referred to.

The first is the "no-load" wave pattern at 455Khz non-buffered/non-boosted

20161112_115648

The next is the "loaded" wave pattern non-buffered/non-boosted

20161112_115711

This is the previous pattern with the buffer/booster activated. Note the amplitude is SUBSTANTIALLY higher.

20161112_115722

Attachments

Images (3)
  • 20161112_115648
  • 20161112_115711
  • 20161112_115722

Unfortunately, one of the two prototypes was shipped to the wrong address at the New Jersey Highrailers, and it is now completely missing in action.  The second prototype will be going there at the end of the week (if it doesn't also get lost!)

Tests in Phoenix, Milwaukee and San Pedro have all yielded good results in troublesome areas.

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×