Thanks Barry. I don't recall seeing that detailed definition before. Gregg, I modified the transformers on this loop last night and it appears to have solved the engine problem. Please stand by, it's early yet. I do have 10 amp fast blow fuses on the input side of the TIU's. I'll be curious to see if this also helps with the PS 3 engines missing the watchdog signal. As far as mixing channel signals on a given loop, I believe I did this on purpose to improve signal strength back in the early days of DCS. My layout has evolved and the wiring is far from todays textbook. I am excited though to change the transformer arrangements and see if I notice any changes, positive ones. Stay tuned.
I haven't come to the bridge yet but I think I can see it in the distance. I now have 4 loops powered by 4 transformers. All seems well, but raises a question for me. What is considered the minimum acceptable voltage for the track?
What is considered the minimum acceptable voltage for the track?
DCS will operate on 14 volts or even lower, depending upon the load on the tracks, i.e., engines, lighted passenger cars, lighted cabooses, etc.
However, at lower than 18 volts top engine speed may be limited.
GHD posted:I haven't come to the bridge yet but I think I can see it in the distance. I now have 4 loops powered by 4 transformers. All seems well, but raises a question for me. What is considered the minimum acceptable voltage for the track?
Make sure that the voltage is near the same on adjacent power blocks where trains cross from one block to another. At some point while the train is transitioning power blocks, the pickup rollers will connect the 2 power blocks together through the internal locomotive wiring. AC power sources (transformers) should not be intentionally connected together (paralleled). However, it's unavoidable when a train transitions adjacent power blocks. So, set the voltage as close to the same as possible.
Engine update. This one engine, the P-47 I just purchased, when parked on a certain part of one loop can not be found. But what I find most interesting is that if I cycle the power off and then back on by throwing a toggle switch, the engine is found and everything is normal. This situation is unique to this engine. My layout power is now safer thanks to Barry and everything seems to be working fine.
GHD posted:Engine update. This one engine, the P-47 I just purchased, when parked on a certain part of one loop can not be found. But what I find most interesting is that if I cycle the power off and then back on by throwing a toggle switch, the engine is found and everything is normal. This situation is unique to this engine. My layout power is now safer thanks to Barry and everything seems to be working fine.
Aren't you back where you started? 
Exactly! The thing that is peaking my interest in this is the power on/off results. I've not experienced it before. At this point, I believe this is an engine thing and not a system thing. I'm open for comments.
This engine will sometimes be found and start normally. Other times it cannot be found no matter where it is sitting on the track. But the interesting thing to me is when it cannot be found, simply turning the power off and back on fixes it. That's the present situation.
