Atlas GPs kill DCS signal

Thank  you Chris,

I have several Atlas Engines, how would I know which may present an issue when I get the layout going?

Thank you

Paul

Here's a suitable choke for a little more than a buck: https://www.digikey.com/en/pro...AIUR-06-270K/2343599

Here's a search on suitable candidates in case that one doesn't please you: https://www.digikey.com/en/pro...Anqxu6Y4ohACOR1wS4kA

I found the problem quite by accident. I put a passenger train with 12 K-Line HeavyWeights on the track, pulled by an MTH Reading T-1 PS2. The engine started up, but I got double responses to whistle commands and loss of control at the far end of the layout. The remote also displayed an out of RF range message. I tested an MTH SD40-2 on a separate 3' section and got 10s, so I knew the SD and TIU were okay. I pulled all the cars on the lay out off, left the GPs on a powered siding where they have been, and put the SD on the track. Close to the TIU, I got 7s. The further away the SD was, the lower the readings. Pulling all the GPs off restored the readings to 10s everywhere. Putting the dummy unit on the track had no effect on the readings. Putting each GP (one at a time) on the track did! I found 2s and 3s at the far end with either unit. Putting both on really killed the DCS signal.

I'm going to check out the links GRJ has above and order about 10 of the chokes. I have numerous TMCC engines I've never tested for this effect.

Chris

LVHR

First, a shout out to Gunrunnerjohn on this forum for providing a link for ordering the correct choke. Thank you!

Second, an equally big shout out to Bill Serratelli at the Atlas Service desk. He very patiently talked me through removal of the Atlas GP7 shell. Believe me, it does not come off like either the MTH or Lionel shells! Now that I've done a couple, it's not so bad. Just a lot more steps than pull 4 or 6 screws and pop the top!

And with all that said, I have been quite successful in installing the chokes. The effect is exactly what was required to restore the DCS signal. My SD40 now gets between 7 and 10 (mostly 10s) all the way around the layout.

Chris

LVHR

All of the Atlas stuff seems to have it's unique way of coming apart!   I actually cringe when I see Atlas stuff come in for work.