my freind has a Lionel S gauge TMCC equipped loco operating on two rail that loses its signal when passing under other tracks. It stays under the tracks for about twenty feet. We’ve tried connecting the command base direct to the underlying tracks with no result. All other systems in use on the layout have been disconnected. It also has standard American Flyer control and DCC. The TMCC system worked with these systems connected,but not under the othertracks. Any suggestions? Thanks
You need to provide a ground grid to pick up the other half of the signal. Take a look at the TMCC section of the other forum. Loads of info there.
This is a ground plane issue. The tracks above are cancelling the signal bellow. The TMCC signal “looks” like a sausage/tube that envelopes the track, both above and bellow. When track cross over each other, you get a cancellation effect. If you run an insulated wire under the track and tie that to an earth ground (not the transformer common), it will force the signal back up and hopefully eliminate the interference.
jefelectric,which “other forum” do you mean ? please