Power issues

how many drops do you have and how far apart are they?

also for longer trains, passenger trains and multiple engines I would get some lionel bricks and not use the Z4000.

How many drops is the first question, and that has been asked already.  It is an overhead layout.  Do you clean the track and have you checked your track to track connections.  Things move.  I'm thinking you've done those two, assuming you have a ladder or a high stool to stand on ( you can sit on it again after you figure this out - I've always been partial to high stools ).  Put drops in your problem areas first. If you are going to solder the rails, just do it where it is causing the problem.  The power source has been covered as well.  Just a random thought, can anything underneath cause problems with signal strength, like the Lionel issue that requires a ground wire from tracks overhead?  Not a DCS guy, but thought I would throw that in.

How many drops is the first question, and that has been asked already.  It is an overhead layout.  Do you clean the track and have you checked your track to track connections.  Things move.  I'm thinking you've done those two, assuming you have a ladder or a high stool to stand on ( you can sit on it again after you figure this out - I've always been partial to high stools ).  If you are going to solder the rails, just do it where it is causing the problem.  The power source has been covered as well.  Just a random thought, can anything underneath cause problems with signal strength, like the Lionel issue that requires a ground wire from tracks overhead?  Like does it stop over the washer and dryer?  Not a DCS guy, but thought I would throw that in.

I have five connections, they are about 25 to 30 feet apart. The main tower comes out of the DCS to a block, and then I branch off the power individually. From there.

Yes, it is an overhead layout .

The layout goes through my entire house is almost 3 miles  to scale of track .

When it was new . I didn't have these problems but now that  the layout has been installed. It's been  three years, sometimes  may not be run for maybe a month . That's where the problems come seems like  I always have to tinker with it get it to run  again properly  and the problem seems to be getting  more consuming .so I was thinking oxidation  may be occurring at the joints.  So if that is what's occurring  soldering seems like the next step , but I didn't want to do that  because that seems to permanent  and a problem if I'd like to make changes in the future .

I would be happy to help you. You can reach me at Atlas Model Railroad 908-687-0880 EXT 7142. If I miss your call leave a good reach telephone number.

Steve Horvath

WalkSoft posted:

I have five connections, they are about 25 to 30 feet apart. The main tower comes out of the DCS to a block, and then I branch off the power individually. From there.

Yes, it is an overhead layout .

The layout goes through my entire house is almost 3 miles  to scale of track .

When it was new . I didn't have these problems but now that  the layout has been installed. It's been  three years, sometimes  may not be run for maybe a month . That's where the problems come seems like  I always have to tinker with it get it to run  again properly  and the problem seems to be getting  more consuming .so I was thinking oxidation  may be occurring at the joints.  So if that is what's occurring  soldering seems like the next step , but I didn't want to do that  because that seems to permanent  and a problem if I'd like to make changes in the future .

not enough drops for that length of track.  even soldering the track connectors will not give you the results you are seeking.

I agree, 25-30' apart is too much.  I believe DCS likes a lot of connex.  More drops.  Easy fix.  (easy for me to say).  Good luck.

Take a lighted car and push it slowly over the track in question.  If the light goes out while the power rollers are all on one section of track and the light is out over the whole section of track, then that section of track is unpowered.  You can find out which connection is unpowered  by placing a jumper wire across each track connection until the light in the car comes on again.

If the light flickers on the track, then you either have dirty track, dirty wheels or rollers, or an intermittent electrical connection to the track.

If the problem is only with one particular engine, there may be an issue with that engine; dirty rollers, wheels or other issue.

Good luck with your troubleshooting.

Earl

Thank you for your input.