which engine in the signal strength test? new question

I am curious - do you have at least 1 isolation joint?  Do you have isolated blocks? 

What kind of resistance readings do you get?

Yes, my layout is divided into blocks. I have tuned those blocks to get all tens. Usually, the signal may drop a bit right near the farthest ends of 2 of the longest blocks just a bit.

 I've never checked resistance. I have looked for voltage drops and there's no big difference anywhere in the blocks. I have not checked yet this year to see what's wrong. I did add the ramp from my shed when the signal was weak. I usually remove the ramp while running. I pull or add it easily as it's connected with banana plugs. I may change that to an on/off switch. I feel the addition of four more TIU channels should cover any issues outside. The signal test usually works to show me if there's an issue.

 My next big change will be to switch to AC power and test the effects. I want to be able to utilize all four channels on my 2 outside TIUs of the layout. That way I believe signal will be at full strength. I finally just got 2 more 180w Lionel bricks so that frees up my Z4000 for this test. I could also try the 180w bricks.

 I think I may try the proto-cast test to see what the signal is really like.

Thanks for patient answer - one more learning question - are the block feeds at an end of the blocks ?

In general,it would appear that after the winter of sitting and weather, one might expect dirty rail issues. If it were a power supply issue, it would be limited to specific blocks. Then, I would be concerned with wiring or track connectivity for that block.

I like your outside line and have followed your posts about it. That's why I am sticking my nose in here.

If it is a rail joint/connector problem within blocks, there's commercial products, like greases and sprays to prevent moisture intrusion and corrosion effecting electrical connectivity. The De-Oxit company makes a one or two. Perhaps a quick spray of the joiners/joints with CRC 2-26 would work. I really like that stuff.

I use LGB conductive grease. The track block power connections are near the ends.

So, what are you thinking? Dirty rails or the block power connections?

All of the outdoor railway discussions come into play...railclamps or solder? Aristo or LGB with joiners.

What does your meter tell you? any high resistance blocks? block feed failure?

it just seems to me that DC would like a continuous return with one break (inside rail) and multiple hot or DCS signal blocks(outside rail) running CCW.

So what did you find out??

I haven't found the problem yet. Instead, I lost another MTH G scale proto-coupler that I had just replaced while testing.

So far I just started and have some results. Some of the brass Split-jaw fasteners that I have removed, appear to have failed, or just corroded. I can only guess it's mainly from being stepped on while cleaning debris off of the track. With this spring being so wet, the roadbed doesn't offer much support. I'm installing all stainless clamps. They seem much stronger and stay cleaner,...  I believe.

 That also leads to the next issue. I believe my wire ends are corroding out in the weather. I'll need to find a better way to make power connections that remain weather proof.  To complicate things, the wire needs to be kept out of the sun so that the jacket stays soft and flexible. I may run short leads from the conduit boxes that are sacrificial. I could just change out the ends as needed. I will first look for some all weather connectors and protect the leads up to them better.

 I get strong signal test with one engine on the rails and good power. I believe the problem gets worse as more engines are added drawing more juice thru these problem areas. So I will just attack them and see what happens. I have already bought a lot of stainless Split-jaw connectors as they seem to make stronger joints and hopefully better weather protection.

There are companies that make anti-corrosion paste and such. Probably not cost-effective to use the connecting sheaths that are used commercially.

One such company is the one that makes De-Oxit, Caig labratories. Radio and cell towers absolutely have to have an earth connection. This is subject to weather corrosion and a type of electrically caused oxidation.

I don't know what to say about a lame roadbed.  

So, it sounds like Mother Nature wins again. Get the MOW crews out.

 I'm running a four engine consist out back. There are pairs of engines spread out about say 50'.

Does the signal strength test just look at the lead engine or the whole consist as a group when selected?

BTW I've cleaned joints and swapped out rail joiners. Much better but still working on perfection!

Joe,

Is there a signal test soft key for lashups?

Regardless, only one engine can be the object of a DCS signal test.

When I had only the consist in the active screen, I selected the signal test from the menu. Then the only engine that was active to select for the test, was that consist. So I picked the consist.

 I guess it just looks at the lead engine of that consist by what you've posted?