DCS signal and power distribution recommendations

Use 14-gauge stranded wire for power and ground.  Have an adequate number of ground drops to outside rails.  Have an adequate number of hot drops, but (1) have only one drop per block; (2) insulate blocks from each other on center rails; (2) limit the length of blocks.  Blocks should be shorter if using tubular track with joints every 10-12 inches; can be longer if using Gargraves.

Concentrate on getting the power distribution correct.  Poor power distribution means also poor DCS signal distribution.

I know of no way to wire lockons in series, as "series" is commonly defined in electrical service.

Unless your TIU is Rev L, add a few 18-volt bulbs may help, one per block.

Notwithstanding what others may say, if you have adequate power distribution, you do not have to rewire for DCS.  My 38x16 layout was built in 1992 for conventional, and when DCS came out, I just slipped it in with few glitches.  Longest block is about 7 feet; all blocks are toggled.  All power is through at least 14 gauge wire.  Signals strength is 9 or 10 all over.

You really have to describe in detail how the layout is wired before you can get detailed advice.

Pittsrailfan,

   RJR has covered a lot of the requirements, however I also suggest using the 12 track join discipline rule with your DCS for best signal results, and additionally running your TMCC thru the out Black channels on the TIU, also connecting your TMCC base directly to the oppsitie outside rail, setting up a strong double signal path, if you eventually add Legacy to your DCS, run it the same manner.  

PCRR/Dave

Take advantage of all 4 dcs generators, There's  one on each channel and the var channels can be set to operate like fixed 1 &2.

Example.. I don't know how you have things wired but take the extension  on the top pic. You could use the same  power going to fixed 1 (where ever it goes) and  jumper it over to another channel on the INput side. Now you have 2 blocks each with it's own signal generator, rather than depending  one channel trying to do all the work. Anyway that's the general idea.

Your layout looks like perfect signal should be no issue. Wire it right and get a perfect 10 signal.  Yes, DCS will operate fine on a slightly lower track signal if you want to settle for that.  No need to do so.

Marty, emails to you are returned undelivered.

Robert, what is showing for you.  I am getting mail and you would never be blocked by me.

I just sent Marty an email, mine didn't bounce.  I used the same address you just posted, no problem at all.

I suspect Marty would probably appreciate it if you obfuscated that email and not have a direct link in a public post.

Gentlemen,

   I have to agree with MartyF, use the 14 Gauge hi quality stranded wire for best signal results, I used the 16 long ago on some of my 1st DCS layouts, you get better signal quality with the 14 Gauge, and even though the latest TIU upgrade make it less necessary to have magic lights, I still use them if the signal drops a little.  With the correct set up and wire your signal strength should be right around 10 most all the time.  

PCRR/Dave   

Make sure you know about what equipment can actually detract from the DCS signal. Sometimes even a caboose's CV lighting board can hurt. They need chokes.

Joe is correct.  I have done past posts many times stating what equipment will hurt the DCS signal.

I routinely put a 22uh choke in anything running from track power that has a capacitor filter for a DC supply, most any of those can affect the DCS signal.

Correct.  The passenger cars that are non violaters are MTH, K-Line and Williams.  The Atlas caboose is a big time killer.  I have a list somewhere on the computer that I did for MTH.

That would be a handy list to have.

I know that my first LED conversions were a problem, that's why I started sticking the choke in, and of course I put it into the lighting module as well.  I now routinely add it to any new electronic project, just to keep the problem at bay.

John do you put the choke in series or parallel?with the power feed?

Alan

Marty,

    That would be a handy list to have. I know what a headache it was to try to solve a "wiring" problem in the DCS, when it actually was interference from a piece of equipment. To know ahead of time that something might create a decline in the signal would be very helpful. One could choose either to avoid that piece of equipment or become handy at installing the chokes. Not all of us are savvy or confident enough to begin to open up the equipment to add the chokes. 

Rick

My computer crashed, hacked, whatever...... third time now. I have lost so many valuable posts over the years. I do save stuff to discs. It's usually just family photos.  I even had the posts about bulb #s and such.

I burned some discs from my old machine only to find out they wouldn't load on the new one. I think they were still blank.

Clearly in series.  If you put the choke across the power feed, it would promptly either trip the breaker or go up in smoke, depending on the rating of the choke.

I will find the list or recreate it from memory.  The choke goes in series.

MartyF,

   I would definitely be interested in having that list again, please post it when you put it back together.

PCRR/Dave

Off the top of my head, here is what I have.  These are all cars that need a choke.

1. GGD cars prior to the LED light strip.

2.  Atlas caboose (the worst).

3. Weaver passenger cars.

4. All high end Lionel 18 inch cars.

5. Atlas passenger cars.

6.  MTH rotary snow plow.

7. Every smoking caboose.

I will add to this a few as I think some more.  I had a computer crash a month ago and the file is missing.  I can recover it from MTH R&D as I sent my findings to them.  

Scott Mann changed his boards when he found out they were a problem with DCS signal.  Right now I am packing the car for a day with Alex, Dina, and all my OGR friends on Staten Island.

We look forward to seeing you there Marty!

We've found over the years that even PS2 slave boards are a DCS signal killer..who would have thought?

We've found over the years that even PS2 slave boards are a DCS signal killer..who would have thought?

That really doesn't sound correct. Where did you hear that?

Casey Jones2,

    At one time way back on the original TIU we actually thought this might be the case until we found that every time we removed certain other rolling stock from the tracks, the signal rebounded to 10, the P2 Slave Board was not the culprit that diminished the signal.

PCRR/Dave