Will 50+ ft lengths of wire needed for yard tracks convey the DCS signal?

I would run a set of new  wires to a new terminal block at the 50 foot mark (with magic bulb) from a spare channel. I believe at one time you were a super mode runner with multiple tiu. Take advantage of the signal generator on each channel.. You can use the same power supply.

,.  Are you able to walk  to the yard area? If so I would add the toggles in  that area.

Paul.

Follow Gregg's advice:

...run a set of new  wires to a new terminal block at the 50 foot mark (with magic bulb) from a spare (TIU) channel.

DO NOT run a wire from a terminal block to another terminal block. This can seriously degrade the DCS signal.

Also, use 14 gauge wire for the 50' run. The wires from the terminal block to the sidings can be 16 gauge.

I have some power runs on my layout that are close to 40 feet.  I use 12 gauge wire for those runs and have no signal issues.

Same as Vince

Paul, problem with running a single feed is that you really should have each loco location (words chosen for a reason) separately toggled so that locos can be on dead tracks.

Yes.....

Thanks all,

Gregg - I use to run in Super Mode ~ 10+ years ago on an old layout. You have a good memory! Do you still live in Canada (test of my memory)? Its good to know there's some other old-time DCS users in addition to Barry and RJR that are still around. Fortunately, I don't need super mode for this layout. I will be able to access the yard - its in my old workshop part of the basement.

For this layout I do have one open TIU channel - VAR2 - that I can use to run wires to the yard. I'll set it to FXD via remote and wire from that to a yard terminal block. Only downside is that engines come up in conventional on VAR channels, but since I'll be toggling the yards this may not be too bad.

Is 14 gauge really needed? I would think that since trains run on low voltage that 16 gauge would suffice?

Paul,

Only downside is that engines come up in conventional on VAR channels,

That shouldn't be the case, unless you're switching siding power on after the watchdog signal has come and gone. Otherwise, there's something amiss.

Is 14 gauge really needed?

For a 50' run, I'd strongly suggest that you use 14 gauge wire.

Yes, If the toggles are in the off position the engine will have missed the watch dog, Not a big deal with a single engine. However with lash-ups it can be a problem . If you decide to go with the spare channel route  ,perhaps add an extra toggle along with the other ones (anywhere handy) between the power supply and tiu. This way you can turn the channel off and  on  and each time the channel is turned back on, out goes  the watch dog, (yep1 even when set to Fxd or var mode)  Yes Paul still in Canada. Still snow and cold today. Fun to talk to you guys. We're like old friends and certainly have  had a lot of fun with our trains  whatever type.  I take it you're building a new layout. keep us posted and up to date.  I've actually been to Barry's house and had  a great day visiting hobby shops and  a few of his friends layouts. When I was there Barry only had a test track and some bench work started.    All good stuff.

Engines coming up in conventional mode on VAR channels has been the case since I had DCS. My TIU's are 1st or 2nd generation - software version 4.3 didn't solve it like I hoped. Also, I have now experienced 3 PS3.0 engines that come up in conventional  mode on FXD channels no less ~ after about 15-20 seconds of powering. BTW: how long does it take  for the capacitors to  charge before we can press "start-up."

Gregg - do I understand right that to avoid the above with my yard tracks connected to VAR2 set to fixed I can install a  toggle between the power supply and VAR2? I'd be using one handle  of a Z-4000. Or, did you refer to a toggle  between TIU power supply? To understand I guess I need to know how this  watch dog signal is sent out - is it sent after TIU is powered up? If so, I would not be able to install a toggle because other TIU channels are needed for the mainlines.

Gregg, yes, new (older) home and basement out in the country side of Pennsylvania. Smaller basement then  previous home but I  tunneled under the steps into  the old  utility room - model railroad fever has no bounds.

We're actually in  the 30s here in PA - cold start to Spring but we had a very mild winter.

Morning...

I think your problem of engines missing the watch dog may be  with the Z-4000 and how fast you can get the handle raised.   We've never had that problem with post war ZWs because the handles are always left up  around 19 or so volts.  The layout powers up from a wall switch (s) We had 8 var  channels set to FXD.

Watch dog.... This signal goes out on any channel any time the voltage  on that channel is raised above 0.

If  you put a master toggle between the power supply (z-4000) and VAR channel in, you could get 2 birds with one stone.   The z-4000 handle timing issue and also the lash-up problem. This would only apply to the one  spare var channel that  may be assigned to the new yard.    Gregg 

I think I understand, Gregg.

I am not sure I can raise the handles faster then I do now...but a toggle would make it instantaneous.

Thanks.