how does tmcc......

Joe:

If a locomotive stops receiving a signal then it will stop. If in a MU (lash up) it will be pushed/pulled by the other locomotives. You should become aware right away due the slow down in speed and the noise of the dragging wheels.

With that said it is most likely that if one loco in an MU loses signal the others will do so also unless that engine is old and the signal board burns out for some reason.

You should consider the Legacy system rather then the TMCC if you are buying from scratch.

Joe 

Joe,

With that said it is most likely that if one loco in an MU loses signal the others will do so also unless that engine is old and the signal board burns out for some reason.

Wouldn't that depend upon the severity of the signal loss vs. the sensitivity of each individual engine's antenna?

Barry - yep it will.

Joe

Typically if an engine gets "flaky reception" it should do it by itself. If it runs fine alone, it should run fine in a lashup. I agree with Barry, signal losses are associated with each individual locomotive antenna.  In some instances a power strip can degrade the tmcc signal,its recommended that the TMCC walwart be plugged directly into an outlet as it provides the "other side of the signal"via the electrical wiring in the walls of your "train room".Poor "train room wiring" will find the locos with the weakest antenna. Having said that I have TMCC and legacy plugged into a power strip with no issues. Signal issues with TMCC/ legacy are typically less common. My 10x16 TMCC/Legacy layout reponds just as well with 2 feeders as it does with 10.

 I was looking at some older TMCC bases. I tried one with poor results. It may very well be some bad wiring. When I held my hand over the loco, it responded much better. It's an Atlas2 rail switcher with antenna issues probably? I had similar results with my 3rd rail Allegheny years ago and it's been shelved ever since.

 I've been studying many posts here. I have decided to buy Legacy and do my best. I really feel like I'm starting all over again and opening a bucket of worms. Thank you for the help. Joe

 Thanks Rich. Yes I plan to run two rail. I was contemplating a 3 rail upper deck to make things easier? I was scared of derailing a train from signal loss. I started buying TMCC equipment and am commited to get these working.

 I see many good posts and I'm hoping I can get good signal eventually. I figured a brand new legacy base would be my best chance of this?

..... "get a Cab 1 to help program consists. "....

Would the Legacy remote do this also? Thanks, Joe

The Legacy system will do anything the CAB1/Command Base did and lots of stuff it didn't do.  The one compatibility issue is with PowerMasters, you need a PowerMaster Bridge if you have those.

If your still having signal issues with legacy Joe you could always try adding ground planes if you haven't already. I'm guessing you may have read about these, if not, theres plenty of info on them if you do a search. These are help in situation where ther are multiple parallel tracks or tunnels with steel mesh for the skeleton.

My measurements indicate the TMCC and Legacy track signals are the same strength.

 I had wondered if they were stronger. I have just watched Lionel's video about ground planes and signal propagation. I have to put some effort in now. When there's trouble with a system your not used to, you don'd know where to start. There's a lot of info out there.

 I have to figure out if it's engine's antenna design or ground plane issues. I've heard there maybe weaker rc2 boards also? Thanks, Joe

Joe, all of the above is true.  Some R2LC boards seem to have poor reception.  A larger antenna does wonders in some cases.  And, of course. the ground plane helps in many cases, especially larger layouts.

 I'm waiting for my next TMCC engine which should arrive this week. Of my other ones, most have signal problems. I have the 2r switcher, an 3r Allegheny, a 3r SD80MAC (not tested), and the 3r trackmobile. They sound great with just an AC transformer. 

 The base I tested was plugged into a cheap power strip. I thought it had a decent ground. It was hooked up temporarily to my 2 rail layout. I had not tried Carl's fix for both rail signal yet.

 I'm hoping I just missed something simple. When I get my hands on another base, I will run a dedicated circuit with a ground from my electrical panel. I'd better start by eliminating the ground issue? I'll modify the antennas if I can figure out they need it. I've heard copper tape under the shell??

Try plugging the base directly into the wall outlet first, some powerstrips have caused signal issues. This could be the simple fix your looking for.

I have the track inspection car, and I noticed that it has reception issues at certain places.  I just laid a grounded wire along the track and all was well.  Since the whole shell of that item is the antenna, I couldn't figure how to increase the antenna size.

Joe, some of the Lionel video is misleading, and some of it is just plain incorrect.  I suggest you read http://www.trainfacts.com/trainfacts/?p=317 for a more accurate description of how to deal with the track signal.

Rather than a dedicated home run to the AC main panel, I expect that a normal branch with wiring running to additional outlets would serve as a better "antenna".

 Times like these makes me understand why so many say just use a good 'ole transformer. I'm reading all this and trying to absorb it. I imagine the problem could be each house, equipment, and layout presents different troubles.

 I can't see how I'd need a ground plane along a single track mainline that was still troubled. I figured that's why it was the switcher's antenna. When the next engine arrives, I will trouble shoot more. I like each brands equipment and want to get these things to work together. I'm intrigued that Rich M has them working as I try to run equipment like he does. Two rail should be doable.

See my issues with my new DCS system, it's not just TMCC.   AAMOF, I have far fewer issues with TMCC than DCS.

Joe,

It has been my impression that the TMCC signal just does not propagate as well in two rail as in three rail. I recall that when Train America Studios was in business making after-market TMCC products, they made a signal booster for two-rail applications. I think there are on-line "recipes" for building your own. Some of the electronics guys perhaps can help.

You also might touch base with John Sethian, as I think John runs two-rail TMCC (or he did) along with DCS in two-rail. John might have some thoughts.

Good luck and let us know how you make out,

RM

Joe,

   I don't know if this will help, but you can look.  http://www.tuveson.com/ . Look under Tmcc for S, he has a signal improvement schematic.

Bill

Note that coupling the center and outside tracks together will kill any DCS signal on the tracks, so if you run DCS, I suggest you reconsider this "improvement".

 I love links like this. Very good resource with lots of great info!