Thanks to all who responded to my problem with the UCS tracks on my work in progress layout. By adding a ground lead to the outside track everything worked properly. As soon as I began to install the UCS on the layout another problem popped up that I need some help with.
The siding shown running alongside the log ramp is insulated from the mainline with an insulated pin on the exit of the switch. Current is controlled by a separate switch, this was done to allow me to park inactive engines on the siding. I had intended to provide power to the UCS by a fixed voltage connection but if I understand correctly the fixed voltage to the UCS would also make the siding "live" even if the current to the siding was switched off. Yes??
If I install insulating pins on each end of the UCS to prevent activating the siding then I would have a dead spot that an engine could not cross.
It seems like my only option is to use track voltage to power the UCS but the only way to control the engine is to use the e-unit to "put it in neutral" while I load or unload because I would have to maintain voltage to operate the UCS. I was hoping to avoid this by using fixed voltage.
Is there a way around this that will allow me control the siding, operate the UCS on fixed voltage etc. etc. It seems like there should be a way to do this possibly by controlling the ground rather than the center rail....any thoughts?
