When adding an MTH engine on a layout into the handheld, can one just place it on the track even if other engines are present, or must you remove all engines, or use a separate isolated track?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
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MTH recommendeds this but so far I've never had a problem adding engines with others on the track. Barry even said it was ok.
It is best to remove all other engines from the track. I use a separate test track with about 15 feet of wire between the TIU and track.
If you add an engine with more than one engine that's not in the remote, you may end up adding the wrong engine. If all the engines on the track are in the remote except the one you're adding, normally that will go OK. Note that it does take longer if a lot of engines are on the track, not sure if that's a signal strength issue or just them querying all the engines to see who's who. 
Really good question, and I agree with what has been replied to. I think it also depends on whether you are having a problem adding an engine or not. From time to time, I have had problems adding engines on the Wi-Fi app. I rarely use the handheld anymore, so can't comment there.
Because I don't have a dedicated test track, whenever I have problems adding, I take all engines off, caboose and passenger cars Freight cars I leave on. Maybe it's me but seemingly the Atlas masterline caboose with flashing lights interfere with the signal.
I also have issues occasionally where when I do a read an unexpected engine comes up. Most recently a F7 came up as an E8. No idea why, likely user interface error.
John
It's not you, your caboose with the flashing light doubtless has a power board that needs a 22uh series choke in the track connection to solve the signal degradation issue.
Read is an over-used feature, sometimes it just confuses the issue. It also moves all the engines not detected or not on the track to the inactive list.
I never use the READ button anymore. Too many times, it didn't find all the engines that were on the track. All my engines are in the active list. When I want one, I push the ENG button, input the engine address and push the thumbwheel. I keep a printout of engine addresses so I don't need to scroll thru them.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:If you add an engine with more than one engine that's not in the remote, you may end up adding the wrong engine. If all the engines on the track are in the remote except the one you're adding, normally that will go OK. Note that it does take longer if a lot of engines are on the track, not sure if that's a signal strength issue or just them querying all the engines to see who's who.
I should have clarified that assumes all other engines on the track have already been added. Good point John.
