TMCC/Legacy Track Signal Booster (Dale's Legacy Continues)

John, Thanks for moving this project forward.  I can't wait to test it out!

John, another THANK YOU for continuing Dale's work. The P & P Railroad Club in Scottsdale was one of Dale's beta test sites and we were very pleased with the results. I believe we will have a club officer at York to continue the work with you.

Dave 

Just waiting on the first boards to build a "production" unit.  Once that is bench tested, I'll make the larger order of boards for production units.  There's always a few "tweaks" in my experience on the prototype boards, many times for mechanical issues.

John, if I'm not on the "I'll take one!" list, please add me to it.

Most of the original thread disappeared, so anyone that expressed an interest should let me know.

John. I will buy one.

You have no email address in your profile.

John,

I am interested in one. Please put me on the list. Thanks.

Brian

John

i will purchase one.  Thanks for you work on this project

Marty

i would like one also

John, put me down for 1 unit please. And thanks for your research.

This track signal booster sounds good, I would be very interested in more information on how this works. Back in 2007 or 2008 Dale was at my home and we hooked up some sort of electrical apparatus on my layout, I think it was something to do with TMCC operation.  I have this unit on a shelf in my train room. Either way, Dale and I spent some quality time together as I gave him a tour of fine layouts in Tn., Ky., and Ohio.  He was a fine person, and very intelligent. Thank you Gunnrunner for continuing his work. 

John, it was only in the private area. It is fixed and now is visible to all.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Most of the original thread disappeared, so anyone that expressed an interest should let me know.

My earlier posted reply to this thread in the Display All Posts section of My Profile is likewise MIA but I do want one, John.

John,

Thank you for picking up this topic!  Having not needed a booster in my small space with the TMCC controller I bought from you last year, I never responded as a Beta tester.  I did just buy a Legacy 990 a couple weeks ago, and got my first engine programmed without incident, so I just want to follow along.

"Dale's Legacy" sounds like a great name for the project!!  

leapinlarry posted:

This track signal booster sounds good, I would be very interested in more information on how this works. Back in 2007 or 2008 Dale was at my home and we hooked up some sort of electrical apparatus on my layout, I think it was something to do with TMCC operation. 

That was way before Dale worked on the TMCC buffer, so I don't know what that device was. 

The TMCC booster is designed to help large layouts that have a lot of capacitive coupling to earth ground.  That high capacitance kills the amplitude of the TMCC carrier signal and causes signal reception issues.  The buffer is a very low impedance 3:1 amplifier that can drive a lot more capacitance and still keep a reasonable signal amplitude.  I think Dale started on this one sometime in 2015.

Thank you for responding, and I admit, I am not great at electronics. I am adding a picture of the Manco product I have. Maybe you can tell me what it's designed for. I was having signal issues around 2000 thru 2005 and Dale and I talked a lot. My situation was totally corrected with earth ground wiring. The new Legacy equipped engines run so great, no signal issues. Thanks fir this thread.

John  I would like to purchase a signal buffer.

Thanks for your efforts

jim stefl 

leapinlarry posted:

Thank you for responding, and I admit, I am not great at electronics. I am adding a picture of the Manco product I have. Maybe you can tell me what it's designed for. I was having signal issues around 2000 thru 2005 and Dale and I talked a lot. My situation was totally corrected with earth ground wiring. The new Legacy equipped engines run so great, no signal issues. Thanks fir this thread.

That is the booster for the output of the serial port (DB 9 connector on the Legacy Base) as it pertains to running multiple TPCs and some Z Stuff drivers. It has been "replaced" by Lionel with the SER2 module used with LCS and provides a higher power output from the serial port.

Thank you CJACK, I thought that might be what this particular accessory was intended for. However, when Dale and I installed it, for some reason it made little difference... I personally think the way my layout was wired up at that time was the problem.  The memory of Dale, and his 3 or 4 day visit, really was a learning experience, a fun adventure visiting my friends in the area, I will never forget. Dale told me his layout was in the attic, on the floor...This hobby is about the people in the hobby, that's why I enjoy this OGR Forum...Thank You.

I'll buy one, please.

Just in case it has disappeared John, P&P wants 2 of these, and offer up the club layout if you need to BETA test it.

I think I need one of these, as I have a couple frustrating dead spots. Hopefully it's easy to hook up. I'm electronically challenged!

John,

I posted to a thread last week. If that was the one that disappeared, I want to make sure I am on your list to purchase one. Thanks

Put me on the list for one.

Bob

Noted all.

Put me down for a TMCC signal booster, John.  Thanks!

Was on the first list. Please put me in John, thank you.

Hi, guys this sounds great.  I have a issue with certain TMCC odessey F-3 PRR Green.  The A unit flicks in certain areas and will just stop the entire lashup.  It is the only engine I have doing it.  I have  about 900 feet of track.  If this is that type of issue please put me down for one as well.  Thanks guys y’all always have great imformation.

Bryan

Your issue is likely an issue with the individual TMCC locomotive.  This device is designed to solve more global issues.  That being said, a stronger signal is likely to help, but it would be more to the point to fix the offending locomotive.

John

I will take two, one for the club and one for my home layout

John

Please John don't forget about me, of course I would like to get one

John, 

As mentioned once before in the former thread, Bob De Guarde of the N.J.Hi-Railers had done a test with the buffer/booster on our layout for The Raritan Valley Hi-Railers, so Dale would have readings to analyze, a little over a year ago. We would like you to build us one for our group because at the Greenberg shows our layout usually runs 200 linear feet around. Our biggest issue is trying to get enough TMCC signal strength to the turntable/roundhouse area and would like to correct this so we can use the TMCC to move the engines instead of using the conventional mode. Thanks for all you do!

      Steam Forever

           John - Coordinator for The Raritan Valley Hi-Railers

                      Member: N.J. Hi-Railers

I am in for one also.

Bill

For anyone with an email in their profile that replies, I'll send an announcement out when we're ready to proceed, probably in about a month or six weeks from now, sometime after York.  After the testing of the prototype, we'll move on to making them.

Churu posted:

Please John don't forget about me, of course I would like to get one

Note that you don't have a profile email.

Hi John, prior to Dales passing he came down to our club to see if the signal was significantly increased. The results were excellent. Please put us down for one. We are very interested here on the left coast.

Jeff

Gotcha'!

Hi John,

I have some questions about the signal booster itself. 

How big is it? (physical size) 

Does it mount on a central panel (mounting holes?) or attach to the TMCC wire somewhere at or near the edge of the layout?

Can you post a photo of it (or is it identical to the one pictured above)?

Thank you!

George

John

Thanks again for picking this and continuing Dales work. Cant wait to install one of these on the TMB club layout

Steve

George, the booster will be in a small plastic enclosure about 4" x 2.5" x 1.5" tall.  The buffer output amp heatsink will project out one end, and the six terminals for system connection will project out the side.  The back side will have the plug for the 24V power brick.  The top will have the two indicator LED's.  This is the board that's inside the case, the heavy white lines denote where the board projects through the case.

There is no mounting provisions, however my advice is some sticky-back Velcro strips to attach it to the location of your choice.  If you want to be able to see the power and signal level LED's, the top should be visible.  Three of the terminal connections are required, earth ground, base input, and track output.  The other three are provided for measurement of the input base and output track signal relative levels.  They output a DC voltage that can be measured with any 1 meg-ohm or higher impedance meter (most digital meters).  The earth ground will be tapped off the TMCC or Legacy power brick plug barrel with a male/female adapter that has a wire to attach to the buffer earth ground terminal.

I'd post a picture of the actual unit, but I don't have the prototype board in yet, I expect to have it before York, at least that's my plan.

Thanks John!  I will check this out at York.  Where will you be?

George

How large would a layout need to be to need one of these? If I ever get to my expansion plan I will have about 16' x 22' L shape with a yard of about 6' x 16' added on somewhere if I can fit it in. I have only a 6' x 16' layout now and everything works well. Just thinking about getting one just in case. It's also gonna have 2 levels if I ever get to it. 

G3750 posted:

Thanks John!  I will check this out at York.  Where will you be?

I'll be around.  I'll be at the Henning's Trains booth some of the time, but I have to try to spend some money as well.

rtr12 posted:

How large would a layout need to be to need one of these? If I ever get to my expansion plan I will have about 16' x 22' L shape with a yard of about 6' x 16' added on somewhere if I can fit it in. I have only a 6' x 16' layout now and everything works well. Just thinking about getting one just in case. It's also gonna have 2 levels if I ever get to it. 

It's not really how large, it's whether you have the specific issue that this will correct.  You'll probably have to build the layout to find out if you have an issue.  I've seen layouts considerably larger that had no issues with TMCC.  Folks like the NJ-HR or Elliot (Big_Boy_4005) here in the forum have layouts the size that will likely benefit from this buffer.

Kinda what I figured. I won't be anywhere near Elliott's or the NJ Hi-Railers size!!

Could you please put me down for one too. Email in profile, but I think you already have it.  

If I need it I'll have it and if not...I'll still have one to fiddle with. 

Once the production run is over, there may be a nice market for any extras.  I'm planning on this being basically a one-time build, like Lionel's BTO process.  

What I'll probably do is make the PCB files and the BOM available if someone feels the need to have one after the initial run is complete.  Given the need to buy all the stuff like the enclosures, etc. in bulk to insure having them, I can't really afford to be stuck with a bunch of extra units.

This seems to be going the way of giving meaning to the saying, let no good deed go unpunished.  I wonder how many guys want one and don't know why.  I'll bet a fair share don't even have a layout.  You're hot right now.  Enjoy your newfound celebrity.   Or at least make a couple bucks off it for the effort.  Nice work and best of luck with the project.

John, I will buy 2 since I'm assuming I will someday finish my layout which is quite large.  One will be a spare.  If it turns out I don't need them because I did such a great job of wiring it (addressing all TMCC issues) I'm pretty sure I will be able to find someone who will buy them.

That sounds like a plan to me. I can see where you wouldn't want too many left over, but I would imagine there might be some more folks interested when the train season gets going again here pretty soon? You never know though?  BTO sounds like the best idea. That's quite a bit of assembly too, as it looks like there is a good number of items ordered already, with more still coming in! 

Thanks for all the effort you are putting into this too! I appreciate it as I am sure the others do too! And thanks to PLCProf also for helping.

William 1 posted:

This seems to be going the way of giving meaning to the saying, let no good deed go unpunished.  I wonder how many guys want one and don't know why.  I'll bet a fair share don't even have a layout.  You're hot right now.  Enjoy your newfound celebrity.   Or at least make a couple bucks off it for the effort.  Nice work and best of luck with the project.

 I'm not quite sure what point you're trying to make.  I don't think this will be a big moneymaker, but I figured this was a good thing that should be at least offered.  Besides, I like the idea that I can give a little money to the American Cancer Society in Dale's memory, he certainly gave us a lot. Also, it's been interesting to solve some of the issues associated with producing it.  I'd be remiss in not mentioning PLCProf and his invaluable contributions to the reverse engineering process.  Since we didn't get anything but the prototype due to Dale's untimely passing, we had to do it the hard way.

I'm going to make sure the documentation is around after the project so in the future it can be produced again if desired.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

 

rtr12 posted:

How large would a layout need to be to need one of these? If I ever get to my expansion plan I will have about 16' x 22' L shape with a yard of about 6' x 16' added on somewhere if I can fit it in. I have only a 6' x 16' layout now and everything works well. Just thinking about getting one just in case. It's also gonna have 2 levels if I ever get to it. 

It's not really how large, it's whether you have the specific issue that this will correct.  You'll probably have to build the layout to find out if you have an issue.  I've seen layouts considerably larger that had no issues with TMCC.  Folks like the NJ-HR or Elliot (Big_Boy_4005) here in the forum have layouts the size that will likely benefit from this buffer.

In my case, I have over 3000' of track spread out over 1900 square feet. I'm guessing a bit here, but I would say that if you have less than 1000', your layout probably shouldn't need one.

That said, there could be track configuration issues which might make the booster necessary. I agree with John, build the layout first. If everything works, great. If not, try some of the other well documented fixes first. If you are still having trouble, it would be a good idea to build the signal strength test car, and map the layout with it, then go for the booster.

For the record, even the booster has not solved all of my problems. I still have a number of engines that don't like certain spots, but the booster has made it possible to run most of the engines over the entire layout.

Here is my E-mail John: magnatti@comcast.net

It would be a good idea to put that in your profile.  That way it's not in a public post that anyone can scan, you at least have to be a member to view member profiles.

I'd like one for our modular group.   

Bob

John,

Please sign me up for 2.

Thanks for making this happen!

Captured.

I would like one please.

Would there be an advantage using this on a layout that's currently working okay so that it'll already be installed for future layout expansion or can too strong a tmcc signal be harmful having a detrimental, adverse effect causing problems and issues on a layout, sort of like "anything done to excess or too much of a good thing can be bad for you"?

John, if you have any left please put me down for one. Don n3rht@yahoo.com

Don, if you look back, you'll see that what is going to happen is I'm going to send out a group email to all that expressed interest and give them a chance to make a firm commitment.  That will allow me to order the proper amount of parts and not have a pile of expensive and unused parts.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Don, if you look back, you'll see that what is going to happen is I'm going to send out a group email to all that expressed interest and give them a chance to make a firm commitment.  That will allow me to order the proper amount of parts and not have a pile of expensive and unused parts.

John, knowing how at times some forumites have posted they would buy things and then when it's available - they don't follow through, since you aren't yet certain of what the cost will be, might I suggest you require a partial, nonrefundable, upfront deposit when they commit to buying one, sort of like a pre-order. Otherwise, you might possibly find yourself with a sizable amount of "I want one"s which go unclaimed and unbought.

ogaugeguy posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Don, if you look back, you'll see that what is going to happen is I'm going to send out a group email to all that expressed interest and give them a chance to make a firm commitment.  That will allow me to order the proper amount of parts and not have a pile of expensive and unused parts.

John, knowing how at times some forumites have posted they would buy things and then when it's available - they don't follow through, since you aren't yet certain of what the cost will be, might I suggest you require a partial, nonrefundable, upfront deposit when they commit to buying one, sort of like a pre-order. Otherwise, you might possibly find yourself with a sizable amount of "I want one"s which go unclaimed and unbought.

That's part of the plan.  Since the parts cost for this unit is over $50 before any work goes into it, that's probably in the ballpark of what that deposit will be.  After the run is finished, the design files will be available for anyone that wants to fabricate one themselves.

ogaugeguy posted:

Would there be an advantage using this on a layout that's currently working okay so that it'll already be installed for future layout expansion or can too strong a tmcc signal be harmful having a detrimental, adverse effect causing problems and issues on a layout, sort of like "anything done to excess or too much of a good thing can be bad for you"?

 I don't see any advantage to installing one on a properly working layout.  I don't know that it would do any harm, but I don't have any actual data to back up that belief.  My feeling is you install this box is a last resort after you've run grounding wires and insured your track and connections are in good shape.  The major issue this solves is for large layouts with lots of track, there is excessive capacitive coupling to earth ground, that causes the amplitude of the TMCC signal to be too low for reliable operation.  The box is a low impedance buffer that is capable of driving high capacitance loads without losing amplitude.  It also provides some amplification of the signal voltage.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

ogaugeguy posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Don, if you look back, you'll see that what is going to happen is I'm going to send out a group email to all that expressed interest and give them a chance to make a firm commitment.  That will allow me to order the proper amount of parts and not have a pile of expensive and unused parts.

John, knowing how at times some forumites have posted they would buy things and then when it's available - they don't follow through, since you aren't yet certain of what the cost will be, might I suggest you require a partial, nonrefundable, upfront deposit when they commit to buying one, sort of like a pre-order. Otherwise, you might possibly find yourself with a sizable amount of "I want one"s which go unclaimed and unbought.

That's part of the plan.  Since the parts cost for this unit is over $50 before any work goes into it, that's probably in the ballpark of what that deposit will be.  After the run is finished, the design files will be available for anyone that wants to fabricate one themselves.

ogaugeguy posted:

Would there be an advantage using this on a layout that's currently working okay so that it'll already be installed for future layout expansion or can too strong a tmcc signal be harmful having a detrimental, adverse effect causing problems and issues on a layout, sort of like "anything done to excess or too much of a good thing can be bad for you"?

 I don't see any advantage to installing one on a properly working layout.  I don't know that it would do any harm, but I don't have any actual data to back up that belief.  My feeling is you install this box is a last resort after you've run grounding wires and insured your track and connections are in good shape.  The major issue this solves is for large layouts with lots of track, there is excessive capacitive coupling to earth ground, that causes the amplitude of the TMCC signal to be too low for reliable operation.  The box is a low impedance buffer that is capable of driving high capacitance loads without losing amplitude.  It also provides some amplification of the signal voltage.

Any gain control in the design? 

I'm in for the deposit, just say the word when you get further along.

No gain control, the buffer is a fixed 3:1 gain.  That's where all the testing has been, and trying to make sure nothing bad happens at all gains on all layouts would be a lot of testing.  Dale did a lot of work on the design and tested it in a number of locations.  Unless someone comes up with a good reason to change it, I'm sticking with his basic design.  We added some monitoring and tweaks, but the basic design is all Dale.

There's always version 2 if there's a reason, but I think just getting the signal there is the key requirement.

John, 

Please put me in for one. Likely the Club will opt for one as well.!

Thanks for your dilligence.

Would this booster help with adding Lionel's wifi operating system? My layout us 36 by 17 and is a winding 5 level layout...all Legacy Command...Thank You 

Please add my name to your growing list.   

Dick

John,

Your going to be at the DCS users group dinner/get together Wednesday evening?

micp125 posted:

John, 

Please put me in for one. Likely the Club will opt for one as well.!

Thanks for your dilligence.

I would, but there's no email in your profile.

leapinlarry posted:

Would this booster help with adding Lionel's wifi operating system? My layout us 36 by 17 and is a winding 5 level layout...all Legacy Command...Thank You 

The WiFi and the booster are totally different areas of operation, it shouldn't help or harm the WiFi operation.  It's strictly to improve the TMCC/Legacy track signal.

Ron_S posted:

John,

Your going to be at the DCS users group dinner/get together Wednesday evening?

I get to York on Thursday Morning.  I'm thinking on stopping at the Round-The-Clock Diner for the breakfast that Peter organizes there.  I will be at the Legacy meeting on Friday morning.

Flyboy62 posted:

Please add my name to your growing list.   

 Dick

Done.

Good Morning John,

I was on the first list, but just in case please put me down for two.

Are we to 100 yet?

You're on the list, but we're not to 100 yet.

Hi John,

Please put me down for one.   Thanks.

Nick

We're slowly marching on.  This looks to be the "final" board configuration.  As soon as I get prototypes and do a full and final test of the design, I'll be ready to proceed.  This also represents the proper style terminal block that will be used for connections.  Note that the terminal block is now represented as the correct Euro style that I'll actually be using.

Excellent.

Please add me to the list of those that will buy the signal booster.

Don

micp125 posted:

John, 

Please put me in for one. Likely the Club will opt for one as well.!

Thanks for your dilligence.

"micp125@optonline.net". I found that there are 2 places in our profiles where ones email need be listed. Thanks again. See ya next week.

Doug

micp125 posted:

"xxx@yyy.net". I found that there are 2 places in our profiles where ones email need be listed. Thanks again. See ya next week.

Doug

Doug,

While some folks have no problem putting their email in an open forum, I'd recommend you keep the email address in your profile where it is only available to other forum members.  I might be over doing it on limiting my personal data; due to the recent hacking of several domains probably all the bad guys have all my data anyway.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

We're slowly marching on. 

John,

While you do not have a firm price yet, I'd like to send you the estimated payment for my two boosters (one for future use).  This would help defray your costs while completing this great project.  I have your address.

No need for money yet Ron, the big expensive order will come after I have deposits for the cost of the parts.  Right now it's mostly sitting on my hands waiting for the prototype PCB's to come in, then I'll have to wait again for the final spin of the PCB to come from China.  Since the parts are all from local distribution, I'll order them once all the long lead items are in hand.

Unless OSH Park falls on their ear, I should have a working prototype at York.

I'd be happy to fully pay up front as well, instead of just a deposit.

Please put me on the list for one also, John.  Gettin' tired of the flickering headlights.

Bruce

Hmm... Shipping to Canada, what's that, about $100?

gunrunnerjohn posted:

No need for money yet Ron, the big expensive order will come after I have deposits for the cost of the parts.  Right now it's mostly sitting on my hands waiting for the prototype PCB's to come in, then I'll have to wait again for the final spin of the PCB to come from China.  Since the parts are all from local distribution, I'll order them once all the long lead items are in hand.

Unless OSH Park falls on their ear, I should have a working prototype at York.

John:

Looking forward to seeing it at York.  Please keep us informed of the status.

Thanks,

Bill 

We've moving along, got a shipping notice for my prototype PCB, so all the parts should be here to assemble and test a prototype soon.   I'll then make any final tweaks on the production PCB and we'll be ready to plan for building the production model.

Hello John,

We were out on vacation when I found your post on this booster, I replied to the post from my phone but as I looked through all these replies I did not find mine. I don't know if my reply may have gone to Dales original thread which is closed or if it just went out to hyperspace, but, I would like to have you add me to the list of folks wanting to purchase one of these signal boosters for my S gauge layout.

Ray

Already had you on the list Ray.

Thank you John,

Ray

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Hmm... Shipping to Canada, what's that, about $100?

Sounds about right!  Add another 1/2 by the time Canadian Border Services get their hands on it.

I can coordinate the shipping so that it can be bundled in with my next order from Henning's.  No hurry on this end so whenever it's convenient.

Thanks John

Bruce

Once our testing is complete, we'll sort all the shipping details for the larger volumes.

TMCC BUFFER PROGRESS REPORT

The prototype has been assembled, and the bench testing went well, looks like it works just like Dale's original.  A 5V p-p signal in from my BASE1L yields a 15V p-p low-impedance signal out from the 3:1 power buffer driving a 50 ohm load.  Testing with various capacitive loads is ongoing, but it's looking good.  Extended running under load didn't cause any issues, the buffer appears to be loafing doing it's job.

Prototype TMCC Buffer on the bench.  The blue LED is power, the green bi-color LED is indicating good signal strength.  For a truly weak or no signal, the LED will be red.  For a low amplitude signal, but still probably usable, the LED will be extinguished.  I find that most old TMCC bases don't have the signal drive to light the LED, but the three Legacy bases and the BASE1L that I tested all had sufficient amplitude to light the green signal LED.  You can also measure a DC voltage that is proportional to the amplitude of the input and output signals on the measurement terminals.  In the final documentation I'll have a table that correlates the DC voltage to the p-p voltage of the signals so you can evaluate the signal levels without a 'scope.

Prototype TMCC Buffer in enclosure, The power and signal strength LED's project through the top.  There is no signal applied, and as you can see, the signal LED is red in this shot. 

Right away I spotted one issue, I put the LED's too close to the edge of the board and they don't come through in the recessed section of the top.  I also had to trim the board a bit as it was about 1.5mm too large for the enclosure.  I didn't actually have the enclosure in hand when I did the board layout, and my guess of clearances was just a bit off.

Armed with the mechanical knowledge gained by assembling the first prototype, I did a re-spin of the board to fix all the things I saw wring with the first layout.  I optimized the buffer circuit section component layout, and sized the board properly for the enclosure.  I also moved the LED's so they'll be correctly positioned on the flat part of the enclosure.  The holes in the middle of the board mount the board on the bottom plate of the case.  Hopefully, this is the "final" layout.

We are sailing along!

Very nice job. Thanks for all your efforts.

John,

Excellent news. I have a deposit check in my wallet bringing to York to secure our 2 units. This is shaping up to be a VERY productive trip and I'm looking forward to see the forums each day and a little treasure hunting before call it a day.    Ron

FYI, here's the complete "package" that will be included with the buffer.  Obviously, the buffer box itself, then there's the 24V power supply, and the earth ground tap cable.  That cable goes between the TMCC or Legacy base power brick and the base itself.  The single wire is connected to the barrel of the base power supply which is the earth ground (3rd prong of the outlet).  This is connected, obviously, to the earth ground terminal of the TMCC buffer.

Yes, there will be nicer looking labels, but I didn't have them yet, so I just taped on the connection data and the name.

John

I never spoke to Dale but read all of his posts. Didn't quite understand all of what I read but understood that Dale knew a lot more than LNL.

My multilayered layout has issues where tracks above cross above and below, so please add me to your list for ONE of these boosters.

thanks

Alan 

Please put me down for one unit. 

francis bauer posted:

Please put me down for one unit. 

No email in your profile.

pgfd702@comcast.net

Got you Francis, maybe you should put that in your profile.  That way it's available to registered users here, but not picked up in a spammer's scan of public pages.

Sorry about that I had it in there but not open to display. I got that fixed now thanks

When will these be available? I think I could use one. 

Please put me down for 2 units.

Jay

I'm targeting probably about a month to six weeks for firm commitments.  At that point, anyone that wants one will put down a deposit to cover the cost parts as I don't want a lot of expensive parts around that I don't use.  The deposit will be on the order of $50.  At that point, I'll make the final parts order for the quantity that I have deposits on.  When they're assembled and tested, all the folks with deposits will be notified and make shipping arrangements.  Right now, the final price looks to be $129 including the $20 donation for each unit going to the ACS in Dale's memory.  That gets you everything you need to install it, the buffer, the 24V power brick, and the earth ground cable to tap off the earth ground from the TMCC/Legacy power cord.

 Given the realities of ordering printed circuit boards in quantity, I'll probably have blank boards after the initial build, it doesn't really cost much more to order 100 vs 50, around $10.  At that point, my plan is to make the design available for anyone to assemble that missed out on the initial build.  Since I'll likely have blank boards, those will be available on a first come, first served basis until they're gone.  Obviously, certain parts will be more expensive in quantity one, and things like the enclosure I'm using may no longer be available, that's the downside of waiting until later. 

Gunrunner,

Be sure you are including in the pricing some funds to help cover your time and effort in all of this work.  Following through on Dale's work will benefit many and you also need to be rewarded for your efforts!

Thank you for your work on this project and for all of the other things you do to help people and the hobby.

Dallas Dixon

Dallas, this was never going to be a big money maker, I just wanted to follow up on what we started.  I'd have much rather had Dale involved, maybe he's watching the progress from his vantage point.

If he is watching, I am sure you have made him a happy man.  I also thank you for your work on  this project.  

Dave

Looks like great progress GRJ. Another fine device that fills a need. I am sure Dale would be happy with all the effort you and PLCProf have put into the project and the way it's turned out.

I find it deeply moving that you are putting in this effort to continue Dale's legacy to the community.  My hat is off to you and those who helped in any way.

Thanks guys, I hope this project finally coming to fruition will help some of the folks that have large layouts and signal issues.  I think we're finally approaching the "build it" stage.  Once I see the sample of the production board and insure it really does fit with no issues, we'll be off to the races.

3 cheers for you, HIP HIP HOORAY, HIP HIP HOORAY, HIP HIP HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAY!!!

   Steam Forever

         John

GRJ,

I would like to order two TMCC signal boosters, please.

Thank you,

Chuck

OK, the list is updated.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

It would be a good idea to put that in your profile.  That way it's not in a public post that anyone can scan, you at least have to be a member to view member profiles.

John.  Please put me down for two.  I will try to see u at York for a short discussion.   Thanks to u and your team for moving this forward.   

Greg

Hello John.

I vacillated back and forth as my new layout under construction could be considered "large". It is multi-tier and passes thru (2) enclosed drywall areas but without scenery or anything else to block a signal...I do have a earth ground wire but notice some areas (especially in the rooms)  that may be an issue.

Bottom line, if it is not too late....please add my name to the list for (1) unit.

I would rather be prepared now than regret my decision later.

Thank you for providing this service to us all.

Donald

All added guys.  As I said, there will be an email, probably sometime right after York, that will explain all the process and we'll arrange any final details.

John,

   Please add me to your list for a single unit.  With the various over/under and metal bridges I have, there is no doubt I can

make use of it soon, and definitely later with additional upper level completed.

Thanks for all you contribute, much appreciated.....

Jesse    TCA  12-68275

John

You might want to consider naming this the DALE-BOOSTER or DALE/BOOST or the DM BOOSTER.

then we could use it as a noun or a verb  Has your layout been Dale Boosted? Try Dale Boosting your layout.

Maybe we need a naming contest with the name required to have Dale in it somewhere.

Dale Manquen called it: MANCO Track Signal Buffer/Booster

See attached PDF

Glenn

For what should be obvious reasons, I wouldn't use the exact same name that he used, I have no idea if his family would take exception to that.  I certainly don't mind giving Dale a lion's share of the credit for the buffer as it's really his baby, just don't know the ramifications of using the exact name he used.

John, is it possible to ask permission from his family? Using the original name would be a great tribute.

John,

     Thank you for working to complete the buffer and for being humble enough to give credit to Dale for what he had accomplished. Folks like the two of you make this hobby what it is.

Ray

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

John, is it possible to ask permission from his family? Using the original name would be a great tribute.

I guess it's possible, but I'm not sure who I'd ask.  I'd hate to get bogged down in something as simple as a name and have that consume more time that the project.

John, will you be emailing us a "bill" for these when ready then? Thanks for the efforts to finish Dale's wild adventure up.

Yep, as I said before, once all the testing is complete and I have 100% confidence in the final design, I'll contact everyone that expressed interest in the buffer.  By the time I get back from York, I hope to have samples of the "final" board, so I'll be assembling a couple of those for the testing to insure all is well and we didn't screw something up in the process.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

John, is it possible to ask permission from his family? Using the original name would be a great tribute.

I guess it's possible, but I'm not sure who I'd ask.  I'd hate to get bogged down in something as simple as a name and have that consume more time that the project.

I hear ya. Case of sleeping dogs as it were.

How about Dale's TMCC/Legacy signal booster by: (you fill in the blank as to how you want to take your credit).

FWIW, I like the naming idea using Dale in there somewhere. I wouldn't think something like AlanRail suggested DM Booster or similar would cause any problems. It would be like an 'In Memory Of' type name. However, naming it Manco or something like that using what Dale used for his products could cause a problem I would think. He may have that name as his company or trademarked or however one IDs their products. 

IMODM... In Memory of Dale Manquen maybe or just back to the DM Booster... ??? I don't see how naming something in memory of would cause a problem? But I am no legal authority either.

Just some food for thought. And I think it's a good thought about Dale too.

I like the idea of the DM TMCC Booster, we all know what it means, but it can't step on any toes.

For some of us who dont believe there's a there upstairs from which we are all being viewed, an in remembrance using DM as part of the name is the best way to insure a legacy we can think of as the trains roll on and by     perfectly.

DM TMCC Booster it is.

Cleaning up some old files I found a diagram for a "TMCC SIGNAL BOOSTER" .... from a long time ago.  Wonder if it was one of Dale's early diagrams ... did someone else come up with a booster design?  I'll have to go to the pile and see if it has a date on it ...

Could you send it to me?  I have an old one that was vacuum tube based, is that what you have?

Kerrigan posted:

Cleaning up some old files I found a diagram for a "TMCC SIGNAL BOOSTER" .... from a long time ago.  Wonder if it was one of Dale's early diagrams ... did someone else come up with a booster design?  I'll have to go to the pile and see if it has a date on it ...

I remember a tube design posted on the forum...I’m not remembering who’s it was.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Could you send it to me?  I have an old one that was vacuum tube based, is that what you have?

We have a tube version as well.

I think the NJ-HR club is running on a tube version that was put together some time back, perhaps John's club has the same design.  I thought I had the schematic of it, but I can't seem to find it now.

I'd love to see the tube version, either the schematic or the real thing. You could probably build one with nothing but the parts from an old AA5, for you radio guys out there.

Just morbid curiosity. 

PLCProf posted:

Just morbid curiosity. 

At this point, that's probably about all that's left.  I'm not going back to vacuum tubes!

Here is Dale's Vacuum Tube booster amp schematic, parts list and the datasheets for the tubes.

Glenn

Finding tubes for my old 1930's radios is bad enough, my stepdad dealt with them while working as an instrument tech for A Nuclear facility, he did well, 30 years they have worked better than some old transistor radios we found in moving and actually fit the décor heading into my train room.

PennsyTurbine posted:

Here is Dale's Vacuum Tube booster amp schematic, parts list and the datasheets for the tubes.

Glenn

Thank you ever so much for posting that.

Except for the LED, that is a 1955  design if I ever saw one! Wonder what prompted him to do it that way?

Are you sure this is Dale's design?  I agree with PLCPROF, what prompted him to do with 1950's parts?   With the LED pilot light, I really wonder about the 6X4 rectifier, surely the solid state replacement was more than available by then!

Thanks for posting it, it was 99% curiosity, I don't know what happened to the stuff I had about this.  I maintain my position, I'm going to stick with the solid state version!   I'm not sure the two tubes would even fit in my current enclosure, and I'm almost sure they'd melt it!   I know that 5" piece of 1" PVC would NOT fit into my enclosure!   That transformer is no piker either, it's a chunk of metal!

You can read Dale's own words on why he used the tubes for his initial design.

"I started out designing a solid state amp, but quite frankly I got lazy.  I thought that Jim's circuit would allow me to determine just what problems I need to address."

Dale had a design from Jim Lefevre which he used as an initial starting point.

He did replace the 6X4 tube with solid state. The 6X4 was Jim's design.

Dale's goal was to use the vacuum tube design, do some testing and then design the solid state version.

You can read Dale's design thoughts in the attached PDF.

Glenn

On Dale's website he talks about the Vacuum Tube design

http://www.trainfacts.com/trainfacts/?p=486

"UPDATE 5/8/13

I have built a booster amplifier based upon the vacuum tube design of Jim Lefevre, adding a few embellishments of my own.  I hope to test the amp on some large layouts in the near future."

Dale posted the Vacuum Tube schematic on the OGR forum in May 2013.

Glenn

PLCProf posted:

I'd love to see the tube version, either the schematic or the real thing. You could probably build one with nothing but the parts from an old AA5, for you radio guys out there.

Just morbid curiosity. 

Here are some pics. I grabbed these off the forum when the topic was running a few years ago. Rich was not pleased to have this info on the forum, citing potential FCC violations arising from the unit. I saved all the particulars, in he event that it would get deleted. It got locked, but I believe it is still out there somewhere.

I believe the name you guys seek is Jim LeFevre. If I'm not mistaken, these are his photos. The date was 10/2/14.

Of course, after working directly with Dale to help test his electronic version, It rendered the tube version moot.

Dale brought his booster to Scottsdale not long before he passed, it was one of his final trips and I am glad I met him. It vastly improved our layout and we were bummed when we had to ship it to the NJ HR.

We are ecstatic that you are finishing his design John. I will be depositing money with you for 3 units at York. 

Ron

PennsyTurbine posted:

You can read Dale's own words on why he used the tubes for his initial design.

"I started out designing a solid state amp, but quite frankly I got lazy.  I thought that Jim's circuit would allow me to determine just what problems I need to address."

Dale had a design from Jim Lefevre which he used as an initial starting point.

He did replace the 6X4 tube with solid state. The 6X4 was Jim's design.

Dale's goal was to use the vacuum tube design, do some testing and then design the solid state version.

You can read Dale's design thoughts in the attached PDF.

Glenn

Thank you for the insightful comments. I had some questions, and you had the answers!

How about “THE BIG BOOST”,  a TMCC Signal performance  enhancer brought to you by, Gunnrunner John, designed by the late Dale Manquen, Another Manco product for the serious Lionel  TMCC/Legacy Operator.  I would think the product name should state what it does.  It does enhance signal performance. Yes, I want one to. Thanks for your hard work. Leapin Larry 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Are you sure this is Dale's design?  I agree with PLCPROF, what prompted him to do with 1950's parts?   With the LED pilot light, I really wonder about the 6X4 rectifier, surely the solid state replacement was more than available by then!

Thanks for posting it, it was 99% curiosity, I don't know what happened to the stuff I had about this.  I maintain my position, I'm going to stick with the solid state version!   I'm not sure the two tubes would even fit in my current enclosure, and I'm almost sure they'd melt it!   I know that 5" piece of 1" PVC would NOT fit into my enclosure!   That transformer is no piker either, it's a chunk of metal!

Those docs were put up by me.  Dale Didn't design it.  Jim Lefebrve (spelling?) did.  I found the plans on Google Groups and put the parts list together when we built it.  It works great and makes a world of difference on our layout but will be retired in favor of John (and Dales's) solid state buffer.    It cost about 3 x John's unit to put together and we'e gone through a couple of tubes to boot.     I put pics of it up further in this thread and the pics in the post a few above this are of our unit.

I'm sure hoping that the "new" TMCC booster doesn't go through any parts as it works!   However, the credits should read Dale Manquen, PLCProf, and John, all were instrumental in bringing the project to this state.

I thought I remembered someone else designed it and Dale was doing some experimenting and mods, thanks for publishing those original design pictures.

Around the time Dale passed away someone (here I think) posted some links to things he had been involved with over the years. It was pretty impressive!! He was in audio, tape recording I believe it was so maybe the reason for liking 'tubes' over solid state? Anyway I read some of the info and it was pretty amazing. Some of the things he had done were impressive and he was well respected in the field. 

Sorry, I don't remember the post or poster. However, if you do a google search on 'Dale Manquen' a lot of info comes up about his work in tape recording and audio, if anyone is interested. Most was over my head, but still interesting to read, IMO. I might be the only one here that did not know about this, but if not I thought some of you might want to do the search and see what all Dale had worked on during his career. Anyway, if anyone is interested try the search, I think it's well worth the time to read some of the articles.

Also not to stray from the topic of this thread, so no further comments please. Just thought others might be interested as I was and wanted to share this with anyone that, like me, did not know about Dale's work. 

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

PLCProf posted:

I'd love to see the tube version, either the schematic or the real thing. You could probably build one with nothing but the parts from an old AA5, for you radio guys out there.

Just morbid curiosity. 

Here are some pics. I grabbed these off the forum when the topic was running a few years ago. Rich was not pleased to have this info on the forum, citing potential FCC violations arising from the unit. I saved all the particulars, in he event that it would get deleted. It got locked, but I believe it is still out there somewhere.

I believe the name you guys seek is Jim LeFevre. If I'm not mistaken, these are his photos. The date was 10/2/14.

Of course, after working directly with Dale to help test his electronic version, It rendered the tube version moot.

Yes, the PVC tube is part of the drawing.  Did it work?  Looking forward to the DM version.

Reminds me of a novice CW transmitter, but out of band of course

Well, the DM solid state version should have a "final" prototype right after York.  I should get what I hope are the final configuration PCB samples on Monday.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Could you send it to me?  I have an old one that was vacuum tube based, is that what you have?

This one?

Yep, I have that one.  Interesting history behind the buffer.

Hi, John put me on the growing list please, thanks

John,   Add me to the list of Buyers for one unit.  Chris A

Done guys. 

I also got the latest PCB in, after York I'll assemble up a "production" unit and see if I missed anything in the layout.  I have discovered it's a bit more difficult to get something that fits precisely into an enclosure with projections than just making a PCB.

Looks good, I have to mod the case and see if everything works.

my club has informed me they would like two of these.  you should have my email from past correspondence with you.  if not let me know.

GRJ,

I second the previous post.  The San Diego 3-Railers Club would like to purchase two of these devices.  You can either use the email for BIGDODGETRAIN or mine for the order.  I have been out of town for a while and I was just informed of the existence of this device by Dallas Dixon.

bigdodgetrain posted:

my club has informed me they would like two of these.  you should have my email from past correspondence with you.  if not let me know.

Please send me an email on this.  I normally just take the profile address, but you don't have one.

BTW Roger, you don't have a profile address either.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

bigdodgetrain posted:

my club has informed me they would like two of these.  you should have my email from past correspondence with you.  if not let me know.

Please send me an email on this.  I normally just take the profile address, but you don't have one.

BTW Roger, you don't have a profile address either.

email sent

How's the project coming along, John?  Any ETA on the production units?

Not yet, my impending move may delay it for a month or two.  I do have what I believe to be the "final" PCB layout, I just have to assemble a couple for some extended testing before pulling the trigger on the full lot.

Just finished building what I hope is the "production" model.  The completed unit consists of three pieces.  Obviously, the actual buffer unit itself, a 24V 1A power brick, and an "earth ground" tap for the command base.  The ground is tapped off the outside of the power barrel, this is the connection through the command base power brick to the 3rd wire on the plug.  Connecting the buffer is dirt simple.

• Connect the earth ground tap between the command base power and the brick
• Connect the loose wire on the ground tap to the Earth GND terminal on the TMCC Buffer.
• Connect the track signal output wire from the command base to the Base INP terminal on the TMCC Buffer.
• Connect the Boost OUT terminal of the TMCC Buffer to the layout track connection.

The buffer is ready to go.  Plug in the 24V power brick, power up the command base, and start running trains.

The three other connections to the buffer box are for DC meter measurements.  You can read a relative level of both the BASE DC signal and the BOOST DC output signal referenced to the GND DC pin.  These will possibly be useful in the future when we want to compare results between different layouts to evaluate the effects of capacitive loading on the buffer output.  Note that these are optional outputs, they don't ever have to be used to effectively use the TMCC buffer.  The circuitry that drives these also drives a signal level LED, red is very low or no base signal, off is marginal base signal, and green is a good base signal.  I usage note, if there is nothing connected to the Base INP terminal, you may see the signal level indicated as green (good).  This happens because stray AC is being fed to the buffer from the floating input, it only happens if there is no connection to the input.

This unit is going out for a real layout test, it'll be tested on the NJ-HR layout.  Upon satisfactory test results there, I'll be ready to order parts for these.  Stay tuned...

John, looking forward to the results of the testing and getting one of these for my layout

Raymond 

Hi John,

Put me down for one of the signal boosters as well.

Maxmn_98

It should be in the hands of the NJ-HR guys now, results to follow.

John

I received the buffer today and plan to do  preliminary  testing on Friday and then use it on Sunday for our club's open house.

Bob D.