So the original run did not have this adjustment capability?
It wasn’t a big issue, some of us just added a pot and John added it to his product at about the same time
@Stackm746 posted:So the original run did not have this adjustment capability?
Nope, it wasn't until a bunch of them were in the field that we started getting reports of them affecting the DCS signals. Then Jon Z. chimed in and said the sensor tracks would have a problem with too strong a TMCC signal.
Thus the amplitude adjustment feature was born.
I am just installing DCS and am having issues. Is there a way to retrofit?
@Stackm746 posted:I am just installing DCS and am having issues. Is there a way to retrofit?
Send me an email and I'll send you the instructions and the parts required. It's an easy retrofit.
I'm Interested in getting one for my barn layout I'm planning. 6 different levels spread across 2 storys (5000 feet of track). So I'll most definitely need one. How much do they cost though?
that would be something to operate on
@APW Trains posted:I'm Interested in getting one for my barn layout I'm planning. 6 different levels spread across 2 storys (5000 feet of track). So I'll most definitely need one. How much do they cost though?
It will be the Cheapest and best $$$$ that you will ever spend for your layout. I think they use to cost around $100. but don't quote me on that. I have one and it took ALL of my bugs out of my layout. the best $$$ I ever spend for the Layout.
@APW Trains posted:I'm Interested in getting one for my barn layout I'm planning. 6 different levels spread across 2 storys (5000 feet of track). So I'll most definitely need one. How much do they cost though?
Sounds like you will likely need a boost! I suspect you'll also need to apply some of the other approaches to minimizing TMCC signal issues. I believe that the NJ-HR has around 7,000 feet of track, and I know they don't run TMCC without a buffer.
I sent you an email to your profile address.
I love this booster...and the variable gain is a winner.
This booster has been great for the NJ-HI Railers 30' X 180' multi level layout. It has minimized blinking engine head lights to the point where virtually all engines run without a problem.
While you are planning your mega layout, make sure you understand the best way to run and segregate different types of wires before you start wiring up the layout. Wiring will make a difference on the performance of how well your engines run.
Good luck
Bob D
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Sounds like you will likely need a boost! I suspect you'll also need to apply some of the other approaches to minimizing TMCC signal issues. I believe that the NJ-HR has around 7,000 feet of track, and I know they don't run TMCC without a buffer.
I sent you an email to your profile address.
Yup. We have 7000 feet of track and we've been running the buffer since John put it out. Before that we were running Jim Lefebreve's analog (tubes!) TMCC booster (which I believe was the inspiration for Dale's buffer.) Even with that the TMCC signal can be iffy in places so we've spend a lot of time running ground wires on telephone poles ABOVE the track. It's made a huge difference in problematic areas. Especially in tunnels as a lot of our scenery is made from wire mesh (Faraday cage!) I emphasis above as in the past there was a thought that a "ground plane" under the track was the way to go. But no! The outside rail and the diecast boiler of steamers can block this signal. Diesel antennas tend to be on the top of the engine and steamer antennas tend to be the boiler handrails so above them by a couple of inches is the way to go.
I attached a hints and tips sheet I put together after several discussions with a Lionel electronics engineer who designed the latest Legacy engine radios. He reviewed it and gave it his unofficial stamp of approval. We worked with him on beta testing the radios that went into the VL Bigboys and from then on.
We've used his points whenever possible and we now have pretty reliable TMCC/Legacy operation.
While I was putting this together Bob D. from our club posted about the importance of wiring segregation. We're talking about the same thing.
Good luck with the build and make sure you post progress pictures!
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I'm going to post the work in progress track plan file for anyone who wants to take a look. I'm going to make a new topic thread for this instead of hijacking this one. So feel free to discuss with me on the new thread.
So if running common and power together creates capacitance yet dcs recommends running power and common from TIU to track as a side by side twisted pair how does one choose between the two seemingly opposing wiring recommendations?
Greg, the power and common aren't the problem with TMCC, it's the outside rail to earth ground distributed capacitance that attenuates the TMCC amplitude. TMCC doesn't care if you short the outside and center rail together, you'd just have trouble powering the train. 
Thanks, I have my ground under the overhead tracks. Its just one for 3 tracks. There is a 1/2" plywood and 1/2" foam and 1/4 inch roadbed plus the gargraves ties under the rails which is probably 1.5 to 1.75 inches to the middle track it is under. So is that far enough not to trigger attenuation? Is one ground wire sufficient for all 3 tracks? I will have the signal buffer as soon as it arrives with your modifications.
Thanks,
GREG.
Yep, the effect decreases as the square of the distance, by the time you get to a couple inches, it's a total non-issue. You just don't want the earth ground right next to the rails. One earth ground centered above the three tracks should be plenty.
@Stackm746 posted:Thanks, I have my ground under the overhead tracks. Its just one for 3 tracks. There is a 1/2" plywood and 1/2" foam and 1/4 inch roadbed plus the gargraves ties under the rails which is probably 1.5 to 1.75 inches to the middle track it is under. So is that far enough not to trigger attenuation? Is one ground wire sufficient for all 3 tracks? I will have the signal buffer as soon as it arrives with your modifications.
Thanks,
GREG.
As John said that should be good but there's only one way to tel. Run!
Good luck!
@gunrunnerjohn posted:For a CAB2, I've used a hi-gain antenna on the command base, and on one instance, I actually used a 2.4ghz WiFi amplifier on the command base. That really increased the range, and for really large layouts, it would probably be a significant help.
I can't believe I just lost signal (control) at 25 feet from the command base. Yes, my body was between the remote and the base... but, it's such a dinky layout. I did set up the LCS wifi the other day could that have affected it? I have a few spare high gain 2.4ghz antenna... I'll give them a go this weekend.
You are doing better than I am. I can only get 8 feet of range on my CAB 2 and if i put my body between the base and the remote it drops to 4 feet.
Basically a totally usless device. I use my wi throttle on the iphone through JMRI and that works perfectly from anywhere.
