ceramic capacitor for track signal control blocks

MI-MarcOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

After watching Mike Reagan's video, Mike Reagan TMCC video - TMMC / Legacy Signal Basics, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQ-hiIvPxVs , I located some 0.1 microfarad 50V ceramic capacitors which he recommended to connect between the outside rail (ground) gaps necessary for signal control. I found inexpensive ceramic capacitors at Mouser electrical supply, https://www.mouser.com , Mansfield, TX. Here is a list of available capacitors: https://www.mouser.com/Passive...qx?P=1z0wqusZ1yzn53n . These capacitors do not have wire leads (as far as I can tell) and seem to be designed for surface-mount (whatever that is?). I could not find any 0.1 microfarad 50V ceramic capacitors which have wires attached to connect to the track. Has anyone installed these capacitors? If so, how do I install them? What do I buy and how do I solder them to wires to bridge the track signal blocks?

9/27/199:36 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Tons of .1uf ceramic capacitors on Digikey or Mouser. I get 173 suitable in stock thru-hole caps on Digikey.

.1uf 50V Ceramic thru-hole Capacitors at Digikey

9/27/193:54 PM

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AmFlyerOGR Forum Member

I have the capacitors on my layout but that is because it is 2 rail. They perform two function. First they enable the Legacy signal to use both rails. Second, they carry the signal directly across the reverse loop gaps. In 2 rail both rails are isolated at both ends of the reverse loop, so they help with the signal reception. My caps have leads about an inch long, I used terminal strips to mount them.

In a 3 rail layout one of the two outside rails should always have the signal. If you are not having weak signal reception in some locations (engine headlight flashing) why add them?

9/27/194:50 PM

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MI-MarcOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Thank you everyone for your help and for your prompt replies! I was doing my search incorrectly on Mouser's site and did not realize it. After seeing the correct products you described above, I went back and found them. Now that I found the correct items, another question for anyone using these: What tolerance for the capacitor is best? Price seems to vary with tolerance.

9/27/195:24 PM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

It's very non-critical, so the 20% parts are more than sufficient.

9/27/195:39 PM

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Windy CityOGR Forum Member

@gunrunnerjohn posted:
Tons of .1uf ceramic capacitors on Digikey or Mouser. I get 173 suitable in stock thru-hole caps on Digikey.
.1uf 50V Ceramic thru-hole Capacitors at Digikey

I'm overwhelmed at the choices on Digi-Key. Can someone send me a specific link please?

2/15/216:42 PM

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