For a long time we have been learning about how to improve the performance of TMCC and Legacy locomotives on layouts with marginal "track" (455 kHz) signals. Recent work with the MANCO Track Signal Tester on large layouts indicates that there is still room for improvement.
First, we are learning that any "earth ground" wires used to improve the signal in troublesome areas should not be bundled with the track and accessory wiring. Keeping the "earth ground" wires a few inches away can significantly improve performance. This may require some wire rerouting for best results.
Second, we are finding that "earth ground" is not quite a universal as previously thought. Folks have tied the "earth ground" enhancement wires to anything that eventually connects to earth ground - water pipes, cover screws on wall receptacles, air conditioning ducts and whatever is nearby. Apparently not all of these points are good terminations.
The optimum termination point for "earth ground" wires is where the earth ground component originates - at the TMCC or Legacy Base. Anything farther downstream in the house wiring or plumbing is 'second hand' grounding with reduced effectiveness. The best termination point for the enhancement wires is Pin 5 on the serial 9-pin connector, which is tied directly to the Track signal's output transistor circuit.
Adding a wire to access this Pin 5 doesn't require rocket science, but for many people who are using the Lionel cable it is at least inconvenient. To overcome this inconvenience I am introducing a simple adapter that is inserted directly at the output of the Base that taps onto the Pin 5 circuit.
Simply unplug the 9-pin connector that is already attached to the Base (assuming you are using devices on the serial connector) and install the male-to-female adapter. The Pin 5 wire branching out of the adapter can then be run to a central terminal strip for termination of the various earth ground enhancement wires. (Note: Although the wire pigtail is a generous six feet long, cut the wire to the appropriate length required to reach your central termination point. DO NOT just coil up the excess wire since the coiled wire can actually degrade the transmission of the 455 kHz signal.)
For additional information see my trainfacts.com website - http://www.trainfacts.com/trainfacts/?p=704
