New Bedroom Layout w/TMCC

R4D,

   My Legacy DCS layout is 4 levels high now and I have had no problems with the Legacy signal.  I am not sure about the older TMCC signal and longer wire runs however.

PCRR/Dave

One command base will be sufficient. Be sure to use the same common for all tracks and phased transformers. 

Wait until you have a signal issue. if you do, the earth ground plane solution will solve it in the problem area.

it may occur where to the elevated line passes over the lower line. The shelf track shouldn't cause any problems.

Ok, I looked at your track plan. if you want to do something pre-emptive, run a small wire, 20awg would work, under all of the elevated line. That wire gets connected to earth ground or the third, round prong on the receptacle or the screw that holds the cover plate.

Thanks Moonman.  I'm still in the early building phase. Just have the benchwork for the lower level done and the shelves for the ceiling layout. No track. So, I think this is the time to run the ground wire like you suggest.  Much appreciated!

Again, only under the elevated loop. perhaps run it from trestle\riser to the next with a space between it and the track. Just a run, not a connected loop.

Not challenging you, but can you explain what this additional wire to ground does?  I presume it prevents interference that the elevated track otherwise causes but don't understand how.

The additional ground connection (not connected in any way to track power) provides a source for the TMCC signal.  Anyplace there is a signal drop off on the layout, typically where one line crosses over another, there can be interference.  This is manifested by a non responsive locomotive.  You can find out if there is a ground issue by placing your hand 6 inches or so above the loco.  If it now responds you have a ground issue.  The small gauge wire near the location connected to the earth ground fixes the issue.  If you were in a basement you could tie the wire around a water pipe.  If you are in a bedroom then the ground wire on an outlet is the way to go although I don't like to involve house wiring in the mix.  Your best bet is to build it out and see what happens, then build out the fix.

the tmcc/legacy signal is in the air more then it is in track, so that is why the wire under the track will help draw in the signal so it will be picked up by your engine..

where tracks are over one another or sometimes very close together the signal form both tracks interferes with the engine receiving it cleanly.

The ground plane forms an electronic barrier between the multiple sets of signals.

here is dale manquen's explanation-homework time - quiz on Monday- you asked for it

LOL anyway- build, then if you have a signal problem it's easy enough to fix.

I've got an undergraduate in industrial engineering, but still won't mess with Dr. Dale's stuff.  I avoided the EE Department like the plague.

he's a good professor. Makes it simpler to comprehend.