Lighted passenger cars and DCS signal

Jeff,

f you have a copy of The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, which I believe that you do, look at page 252:

Some, but not all, TMCC engines will degrade the DCS signal of any PS2 engine with which they are in close proximity. This effect varies both by individual TMCC engine and by the distance between the TMCC and PS2 engines. In many cases, an RF choke inserted in the Hot wire between the pickup rollers and the TMCC engine's circuit board will correct this problem.

Some lighted cabooses, most notably those manufactured by Atlas O, may degrade the DCS signal, as may some engines or passenger cars with constant voltage (CV) lighting boards. Again, an RF choke inserted in the Hot wire between the pickup rollers and the circuit board in these cars will generally correct this problem. Although a number of different RF chokes may be effective in reducing interference from CV boards, one that has an electrical value of 22uh (micro henries) is known to work well.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

Thanks guys! Barry I did find this in your DCS book after I posted this. Looks like I will need to modify these cars. Thanks!!

There are also other ways that are less labor intensive to install LED lighting in the cars, the self-adhesive LED rolls make the job pretty easy.

The important thing to keep in mind is that the problem will not go away unless either the chokes are installed or the CV boards are removed.

Replacing bulbs with LEDs will only reduce power usage. It will not resolve the DCS signal degradation issue.

I have a lot of K-Line passenger cars.  This is going to be many hours of work.  Do I need to add a choke to my MTH and Lionel passenger cars also?

Joe

Joe,

Do I need to add a choke to my MTH and Lionel passenger cars also?

I don't believe that you'll have to do so for the MTH cars. Be aware that non-current production GGD passenger cars are also known offenders.

I have no knowledge of whether or not Lionel passenger cars are an issue. However, it's really easy to find out!  

Any cars that cause problems will need a choke.

K-Line cars have never caused a drop in DCS signal on my layout.  I run many of them.  A while ago, John did a post on the LED lighting if someone has it.  The Lionel cars are a yes.  The Atlas caboose seems to be a big problem.

A while ago, Scott Mann became aware of the DCS issue and he changed all his equipment to LED lighting.  Scott sells those boards and they are very reasonable in price.  They are an easy retro.