I read in the DCS companion that the TIU and AIU should be mounted at about the same height as the remote that will be used. I wanted to mount them under my platform. Will this give me reception problems?
Art
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Well, I can attest that the remote to TIU reception works better when it's higher, we mounted the TIU below the bench at our club and had issues with reception. Now it's up on a shelf and no more problems.
My layout is in the basement and I can ruin the trains from the first floor. The TIU is under the table and sits horizontally.
Ed
Art,
I read in the DCS companion that the TIU and AIU should be mounted at about the same height as the remote that will be used. I wanted to mount them under my platform. Will this give me reception problems?
On page 62 of The DCS I Gauge Companion 2nd Edition, it states:
Regardless of which method of TIU placement is used, it's a good idea to locate TIUs so that there is a direct line of sight between the TIUs and the DCS Remote whenever possible. This is best accomplished by physically placing TIUs so that they are at, or above, the height of the tracks whenever possible.
This is a guideline,however, the key is that the TIUs and the remote should be in direct line of sight of each other. While this typically would have TIUs elevated, its not necessarily a bad thing if TIUs are under the edge of the layout, as long as the remote can see them.
On my around the walls layout, I have all TIUs mounted under the edge of the table and have no reception problems. You could experiment a bit to see what works for you in your train room. If it's not a very large layout, you might be fine with TIUs under the layout. Also, you might look at page 157 which describes a simple TIU modification that can boost DCS range.
This and a whole lot more is all in "The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", now available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book from MTH's web store site! Click on the link below to go to MTH's web page for the book!
When we add the upper track work I'll be moving the TIUs up above the table work inside a paper material mountain with no interfering metal mesh, etc.
It works okay with them under the table, but it does seem to limit the reception range somewhat.
Heh, you guys should try working in a room with 2 water heaters smack in the middle.
Want to see a remote stop working, let a water heater get between it and the TIU !
My next version of the layout will be mounting the TIU above the water heater that is most centrally located.
For now I just hold my arm out to shoot past the obstruction if on that side of the room.
