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TMCC Interference Between Tracks

corvetttecorvettteOGR Forum Member

This is a three part question

 

When I'm finished building my layout (first one), I will be running mostly conventional trains using the old fashion way with a bunch of ZW transformers.

 

I will also be using the TMCC system for all of my older engines.  I also have two engines that I can use the Legacy remote with since they are pretty modern (I have both of these systems).  All my other trains are at least 20 years old.

 

Question #1  - - -  Should I just skip using TMCC and use the Legacy for all of my remote running ?

 

Question #2  - - -  I have been reading about interference between either tracks that are parallel to each other or above each other using the TMCC system.

 

I've read placing a bare 22 gauge copper wire next to a track will eliminate the problem of both another track beside it or below it.  Of course one end of the wire must be at lease wired to the faceplate screw of a grounded wall outlet.

 

My question is this  - - -  will placing the wire within, say, 2 inches of a track to the side and hiding it under ballast or grass cover will take away the interference between that track and one directly under it.  Or will I have to bury it directly under the upper track ?

 

Question #3  - - -  does this problem exit with the Legacy remote too, or is it just with the TMCC system ?

 

Any guidance will help.  Thanks,  Paul (Corvettte)

 

 

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B bigdodgetrainOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by corvettte:

This is a three part question

 

When I'm finished building my layout (first one), I will be running mostly conventional trains using the old fashion way with a bunch of ZW transformers.

 

I will also be using the TMCC system for all of my older engines.  I also have two engines that I can use the Legacy remote with since they are pretty modern (I have both of these systems).  All my other trains are at least 20 years old.

 

Question #1  - - -  Should I just skip using TMCC and use the Legacy for all of my remote running ? I would just use the legacy

 

Question #2  - - -  I have been reading about interference between either tracks that are parallel to each other or above each other using the TMCC system.

 

I've read placing a bare 22 gauge copper wire next to a track will eliminate the problem of both another track beside it or below it.  Of course one end of the wire must be at lease wired to the faceplate screw of a grounded wall outlet.

 

My question is this  - - -  will placing the wire within, say, 2 inches of a track to the side and hiding it under ballast or grass cover will take away the interference between that track and one directly under it.  Or will I have to bury it directly under the upper track ?  close seems to be good enough

 

Question #3  - - -  does this problem exit with the Legacy remote too, or is it just with the TMCC system ? technically TMCC is legacy. 

 

Any guidance will help.  Thanks,  Paul (Corvettte)

 

 

others will add to what I started.

RickORickOOGR Forum Member

 

You could use your TMCC with legacy if you want the benefit of the extra remote. Having said that, most TMCC locos run smoother under legacy control as it smooths out the speed steps.

 

I'll second Rons post, if possible lay your track test your trains and see if its even a problem.

 

Having parallel tracks or tracks above others does not guarantee you will have an issue.

 

Ground plane problems are not that common,the exception, rather than the rule.

 

Additionally, a ground plane problem, if it occurs may only affect one loco, typically the one with the weakest antenna.

 

Lastly you could have an extremely complex layout with numerous parallel tracks and elevated tracks and only have a problem in one small corner of the layout, and the rest of the layout would be fine.

 

Build and test, the "sky is not falling"

Last edited by RickO
corvetttecorvettteOGR Forum Member

Thanks to all of you for your responses to my post.

 

Thanks especially to RickO.  His link to the DCS and Legacy post of March 13th on OGR was extremely informative.  It also had the Lionel video describing how to solve this problem using a ground plane.  I remember reading somebody's post that Lionel did not recognize this problem.  The video shows different. 

I also found another post on OGR called Any "Rules" for Wiring a Ground Plane? which was very informative. 

 

Since my first layout will encompass 640 square feet and 160 will be devoted to a freight yard; after reading all I have, I'm of the opinion that I'm going to do nothing until a problem arises.  The largest consensus is that I may not have a problem, and if I do, I should take care of it on a one on one basis.  I don't relish burying hundreds of feet of copper wire between tracks on the slim chance I might have a problem.

 

Thanks to everyone.  I've read all the comments and made my choice.

 

Corvettte

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