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?
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Tons of .1uf ceramic capacitors on Digikey or Mouser. I get 173 suitable in stock thru-hole caps on Digikey.
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?
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.
It's very non-critical, so the 20% parts are more than sufficient.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Tons of .1uf ceramic capacitors on Digikey or Mouser. I get 173 suitable in stock thru-hole caps on Digikey.
I'm overwhelmed at the choices on Digi-Key. Can someone send me a specific link please?
Thank you,
Richard