Boost DCS signal

[CSX FAN]

I found a new a simple new trick to boost the DCS signal on large layouts. The light bulb trick isn't new nor is using them on sidings but this is a little different for folks with larger loops or blocks.


Simply add more lamps dispersed around the loop. Simply stated if you have a large loop picture a clock. The terminal strip was at the 12 o'clock position and the light bulb trick didn't work. I then added lamps at 3 and 9 o'clock at the drops got the DCS signal but not very well. I added a forth lamp at 6 o'clock and poof everything worked as designed. I was able to then use proto-cast to trouble shoot the problems with the track blocking DCS from working.

This layout used old Gargraves track and was the hardest layout I ever had to deal with in DCS the layout is 36'x26'. This procedure allowed us to debug the track and fix the bad spots. He then could go back and remove the lamps once the track joint problems were corrected. I found this to be a very good trick, although multiple lamps on a loop had never been stated. Sidings were to have the same effect with added lamps. The loop was cut into 4 blocks and TMCC and conventional worked fine but DCS would not. The problems were caused by a bad splice and loose track pins and or paint on the track pins.

This procedure will help the folks who have the early Atlas track and or folks who haven't rewired for DCS and want to try it on conventional layout wiring.


Jamie

[Anonymous]

You mentioned that you were able to use the proto-cast method to trouble shoot your track problem. How did you go about it? Thanks Felix

[CSX FAN]

Felix

Protocast uses the most if not all of the PS2's processor. It is the best way to test the DCS signal, even better than the signal strenth test. It allows you to watch the rollers on the train instead of the test score on the remote. As a result you can watch the rails very close. In this case the protocast was very clear when we rolled over the bad track pin the signal was lost immediatly. We went in and soldered that pin and cleared the problem thus reducing the noise on the track. In another case I had new Ross switches that the engines kept dying at one particular spot. I thought it was a typical MTH/ Ross issue where the engine rollers land in the dead spots on the Ross switch. With careful obervation and Protocast I was able to creep at 2 SMPH and saw that was not the case but just excesive clear coating on the rails. I sanded the rails down and solved the problem.

Protocast is the beast way to resolve track issues. I'd say it is my best tool for debugging track and wiring. A bad signal will not result in any protocasting of music. 4-7 will give garbeld music 8-10's will get clear. The tighter you make the system the better the sound will be. The better the signal the better and faster DCS operates.

The additional lamps do there Black Magic and allow the protcast to get through allowing you to see the bugs in the system and fix them.



Jamie

[Anonymous]

Hi jamie I am planning to pick up a new dcs system. I do have some dead spots on my layout.and I am using realtrax. I hate the thought of picking up my track with the track that I'm using and I would like to fix any problems that I may have before I install the DCS.Can you Tell me a little about protocast ? Where can I purchase this item? Does this include the testing of each individual rail? Thanks Felix

[jimhaleyscomet]

Protocast is part of the DCS system. You do not need to purchase it separately. I also use realtrax. Wherever I have a bad joint, I just solder the rails connection.

Jim H

[CSX FAN]

Protocast is the #8 or 9 button on your remote. press it on and off. The music comes from a I pod or any other device that has a RCA mini jack. Get a RCA mini sterio jumper, the jumper you use to upgrade the TIU will work. Plug it in and start plaing music and your set.

Real track runs DCS very well. The lighted lock one available with it has the same effect. The problem they had with Real tracks is the blackened center railhead blocks DCS. A Scotch Brite pad will take it right off. Otherwise the pick up rollers will take it off gumming up the rollers. Newer track doesn't have the blackened center rail head.


Jamie

[Anonymous]

Thanks again Jamie Looks like that i'm going to get a DCS system pretty soon. Felix