I am trying to connect a TMCC Command Base to my double loop layout. The systems includes two loops connected by Gargraves switches. I am currently running two PM-1 trainmasters one for each loop.This allows me to run conventional locos. I cant seem to get power to the track with this system. I know that the Command Base is OK because I have it connected to a separate loop right now and it works fine. I’ve heard that with Gargraves track you may have to use jumper wires to interconnect the outside rails especially if switches are used. I think it has to do with ensuring that the ground circut is continuous throughout the layout. I have the loops divided into 3 blocks each. Will I have to use jumper wires for each block? If anyone use a similar setup such as PMs or TPCs I would appreciate suggestions. Thanks STEVE
OK, PM’s do not talk to Command Bases. They receive signals direct from the CAB-1. The command base HAS to have the three prong wall wart transformer plugged into a three prong outlet to generate an appropriate ground plane to propagate the command signal. The RF signal can jump isolation pins and even jump to adjacent isolated tracks by induction. You need to make sure the antenna wire from the command base is going to one of the outside rails.
Are you addressing the PM’s as TR 1 and TR 2 or whatever you programmed them to? You have to power up a PM to get power to the track before you can get a command loco sitting on the track to repsond (i.e. no electricity, no command control).
I use GarGraves track and can tell you that the outside rails are seperate(insulated, no power unless you run a wire to each rail) from each other. Also true with GarGraves switches is that the outside rail doesn’t always get power on the outputside to both rails, and on some older GarGraves(072 size) switches you lose power at the center rail going out to both sides.
I am using DCS with my GarGraves track and have no problems with the track. Check your wiring again and see if it is wired correctly for GarGraves track. With most tubular track & Fastrac you only need to supply two wires to the track, GarGraves will need three wires.
Hope this helps you!
Lee F.
Chuck knows his “stuff”. Here is what I have done and it works. I have a jumper from each buss bar common [outside rail connected to this “side”]. Now I have jumpers run from the buss bar to the track [center and outside] about every 8 to 10 feet apart. Each loop and the sidings all run off of separate transformers but the commons are connected as above. Now my Command Base [was TMCC and now from Legacy Base] runs to the same buss bars. Everything is “bonded” on the common side. The center rail is different. That is where I have them insolated from each other. On old tublar track with short track sections between opposing switches need a jumper due to the outside rail being “dead” or at least not making a good “ground”. Conventionals would slow when they hit that section. Let us know.