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This may sound like a dumb question but we are having TMCC problems on our modular layout that we didn't have before we installed a series of ceiling light fixtures with double LED tube lamps.  We're going to see if adding some "ground plane" will help but I'm wondering if the LED fixtures are generating a signal that is interfering with the TMCC signal.  I know its far fetched but we are trying everything to figure it our.

I should add that when we are not using the layout in a remote location we set it up in our clubhouse.  The layout is about 10' wide and about 20' long

Thanks.

Last edited by Dick Malon
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LED fixtures can interfere with the TMCC or DCS signal, I have experienced it personally!  It's actually probably the switching power supply in the fixture, at least it was in my case.

I have LED lighting on my workbench, and it was driven by a small switching power module.  Obviously, it was a "dirty" module emitting EMI.  With the bench lights on, I couldn't work on command equipment on the bench.  When I finally figured it out, I replaced the switching power supply with a transformer based linear supply, problem solved.

I don’t know about TMCC but some LED bulbs interfere with garage door opener signals.  I replaced my incandescent bulbs in the powerhead with LED’s and my garage door wouldn’t open with the remote sometimes.  Turns out if the bulbs were on (like if someone had just closed the door), then they killed the signal and the remote wouldn’t work.  It’s a known issue.  If you go to Lowe’s/Home Depot, they sell bulbs specifically for garage door openers.

Last edited by MikeH

Thanks for the info.  We haven't tried running with the lights off but will be doing so when several of us get together next week to work on the problem.  In the meantime I'm trying to collect all the info I can, including adding ground wires between the tracks, so we can do some serious trouble shooting.  The light fixtures are typical shop lights but with LED tubes and are plugged into a series of extension cords.

Last edited by Dick Malon

I have LED light fixtures above my layout with no problems what so ever.   I am not using TMCC, just the Lionel remotes using the transmitters and loco receivers supplied by Lionel.   I do know the LED fixtures interfered with FM radio broadcast (OTA) big time.  I had to install an outdoor antenna!   FM uses the 88-108 MH spectrum, but the LED fixtures may cause problems with other frequencies as well.  Like others have said, turn off the lights and see what happens. 

This is a wild card, but plugging the tmcc command base power supply into a coiled up extension cord between it and and the wall plug is a known problem for the tmcc signal. No coiling allowed!

You most likely know this, but if an extension cord is used it must be 3 wire. Also the command base power supply must be the Lionel unit with the round grounding pin.

Good luck, Rod

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