I was wondering if their would be any loss of signal strength thru connections mechanical, vs solder connections.
I know that you always would believe that a solder connection would be the best, enlieu of a mechanical connection.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
FWIW, I have all 10's for DCS signal (two TIU channels on two loops of track) with all mechanical connections. However, I don't have a huge layout like some folks here.
I haven't experienced the slightest DCS signal loss over the entire layout. All connections are made as of,lows:
- Banana plugs at the outputs of each TIU channel
- Either banana plugs or thumbscrew connections at the entry to each terminal block
- Screw terminals at the terminal block end of each track block connection
- Solder connections at the track end of each track block connection.
Additionally, each siding track block, as well as some mainline track blocks, has a SPST toggle switch soldered into the Hot wire between the terminal block and the track block.
I have tried soldered wires, terminal blocks, and even wire nuts. All work well.
My very first experience 12 or so years ago, with DCS on a G scale layout, I used heavy duty commercial terminal blocks for wire dispersion with a sort of buss wiring. There wasn't any book from Barry back then and this forum was working on solutions. I had terrible signal and a MTH tech told me to start from scratch with direct wiring and to break the oval in at least one spot. He said to dump the terminal blocks. The signal worked and I never tried those terminal strips again. I think the biggest thing for me was worrying about power drops and over wiring causing the signal to fold back on itself.
I've had much better luck making blocks to prevent power drops and keep signal strong. If the power is good the signal will be good too. I used to follow this forum back then and guys like the one who wired Tony Lash's layout (Jamie?) had good advice here. (among many, many others!)
Reason for the original question here, I was conversing with an old Ham Radio Operator ( didn't think that was around anymore), that at one time he built a miriad of equipment for sale, as well as operation. The subject came up about solder joints/connections vs mechanical connections. He went on to explain his beliefs, and problems that he had been exposed to in the past building/installing/operating radio equipment.
When he said the Magic Word concerning "Signal Strength", the proverbial light went on in my head, and I proceeded to tell him about the problems we have/had on the Club layout. I told him the type we use at the club when doing solder jobs, and he said we should be good to go.
If using Silver Solder depending where it is used, can cause some problems.
Right now we have about 99% solder connections(good Ones), and a mere few mechanical conncections, banana plug ends at the transformer/pxs/Tiu, w/#12 stranded copper wire.
From what he told me about the Hi end solder, I was glad I didn't go with my 1st gut feeling of Silfoss/Tig to do the soldering...........................
Brandy,
Your buddy was discussing radio frequency (RF) signals. DCS commands are carried in data packets, which are transmitted differently.
We've soldered all ours except for the terminal blocks and have a good dcs signal. Loose connections are bad and will sink the dcs signal.
Your're correct about the loose connections, and I assumed that when going with all "Hot Soldered" joints/connections there wouldn't be any concerns (ever).
The old gentleman got to telling me how some of the Radio waves/frequencies travel around the outside of the wire, and on, and on, and on!
This was way, way over, and past my thinking. I do know that these electrical engineers do more in depth thinking, than anything I could ever imagine.
In my mind it flowed through the whole wire, not some this way, and some the other way........................
Brandy,
Except for the FasTrack slip on Connectors under the track, I use all Hi Grade Gold Banana Plug Connections at the DCS TIU's, Transformers and Legacy 990 Base. I even upgraded my old ZW's & KW's with female Banana Plug fittings. I never have any signal problems and actually believe I have avoided problems with my TIU's, by using the Banana Plugs down thru the years. Nothing wrong with soldering, when done correctly as Barry points out. Your buddy was talking about a completely different (RF) signal flow, DCS Signal is a Data Pack signal and Soldering wires does not diminish the signal in any way.
PCRR/Dave
Thanks Barry and Dave, you guys cleared up a lot, and I appreciate your input greatly.
