I am thinking about making a siding where I can cut power to using a Lionel BPC, I am wondering will that cause problems with the DCS signal?
Any thoughts
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The problem comes when you restore power. You don't get the WD signal so any locomotives on that track come up in conventional mode, sound, lights, smoke, etc.
John,
The problem comes when you restore power. You don't get the WD signal so any locomotives on that track come up in conventional mode, sound, lights, smoke, etc.
First, that's a not a problem unique to the BPC, since a toggle switch will have the exact same effect.
Second, there are at least 2 remedies that don't involve turning off power to the TIU channel, one of which will also work for lashups.
Of more concern to me is that the BPC may have the same deleterious affect on the DCS signal as does a TMCC lockon. I understood that to be the nature of Chris' question. While I don't have the answer, I'd be really interested in finding out if the BPC created a problem, or not.
The BPC is just a relay at the business end, so I don't imagine it should be an issue with the DCS signal, any more than a toggle switch would be.
It doesn't seem to be a problem with my system, that is primarily TMCC, with DCS applied in passive mode. Seems to work through, (two) BPCs, older IC controls BPCs, and the (8) blocks related to the BPC's.
BPC are left center in this picture.
John,
After a quick look at the BPC manual. my only real concern comes from this attempt on page 4:
An isolated power supply (not connected to the track) will be needed if noise from the TMCC signal interferes with communications. This is indicated be a steady green COMM light on the BPC. Because the BPC uses very little power, you can wire the BPC to a separate power supply with other TMCC products.
My question would have concerned whether the the aforementioned "noise" would affect a the DCS signal. However, Mike's post above mine would indicate that there's no cause for concern.
Running DCS through LCS BPC2 and it does not degrade my DCS signal.
I guess I will give it a try, I am just looking to make a parking siding for engines that I want out, but not running power through them
At least I know its not a total no-no
Mike CT,
Real nice disciplined wiring set up, serious stuff!
PCRR/Dave
