DEAD SPOTS

[Swannert]

I'm new to DCC and I built an N Gauge DCC layout. It's approximately 3x4'. I set up the track, had two locomtives running successully, pulling long trains. After that I disconnected the Bachmann EZ controller to balast the track and lay more scenery. This morning I set up the controller again and found several dead spots in the track. The track has been cleaned very well and all the trains were running before I disconnected the controller. It appears the dead spots are a voltage issue becasue the trains come to an abrupt stop at certain spots along the track, regardless of how much I clean them. I have 3 loops, interconnected by several switches. Also, I have 3 sets of terminal joiners installed and all of the normal joiners seem to be a tight fit.

Any help would be appreciated,

Thanks-Tim

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Never depend on rail joiners to be the sole means of power transmission from track section to track section. Glue or something else has gotten into some of the joiners and has insulated them from the rails. Apply a solder bead at the joiner so it provides an electrical connection from rail to rail or solder jumper wires to carry power from one rail to the other. Both methods serve the same purpose.

[Swannert]

Thanks for the reply. That was my next step. I've actually scraped some glue away and it cleared up some of the problems but I think I'll solder just to ensure a good connection. I assume I'd solder on the outside of the track so the wheels can run smoothly on the inside.

Thanks Again-Tim

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Swannert

I assume I'd solder on the outside of the track so the wheels can run smoothly on the inside.

You assume correctly. Be careful not to get the rails too hot or you could melt the ties. If there's a problem you can place wet cotton balls or loosely balled up wet paper towel to either side of the joiner. This will help cool the rail.

[MisterBeasley]

When you ballast, sometimes glue gets into the rail joiners.  This makes for a poor electrical connection.

You've already gotten good advice - don't depend on rail joiners.  Use lots of feeders, and solder the rail joiners if you need to depend on them.

[Swannert]

Thanks for all of the advice. Two more questions. How important is it to use liquid flux? I have the paste flux but can't find it I liquid form. Also, do I solder every rail joiner on my layout or skip some.

Thanks-Tim 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I use only paste flux. It can be brushed on and stays put. I solder all rail joiners. Skipping joiners is an invitation for trouble. If you have to skip some joiners run feeders from a reliably power section to the section with these joiners.

[richhotrain]

Swannert

How important is it to use liquid flux?  

It isn't.  I solder track all of the time without flux.

Rich

[richhotrain]

Swannert

Also, do I solder every rail joiner on my layout or skip some.

 

Solder where you need it.  If the electrical flow is interrupted by a rail joiner that isn't doing its job, then solder that connection.

 

Rich