Wouldn't it be neat if Electric RR or Digital dynamics produced a board or freight car with a board in it to display the signal strength for the TMCC signal being received by the board?

That would allow you to run it around the layout and see where your signal isn't being received for whatever reason.

Stevo,

The quality of TMCC reception by the radio board is really a function of the quality of the antenna in the car or locomotive. If your detection car has a better antenna than your locomotive then the car may show all is fine but the loco will still have problems.

You can do signal detection today using your locomotive. Start it moving and hold down the whistle/horn button on the Cab-1. If the whistle or horn blows continuously all the way around the layout then signal reception is fine. If the horn cuts out, then signal in that area is not perfect. An earth ground wire overhead or placed next to the track in that area should fix the problem.

quote:

Originally posted by Bob:
Stevo,

The quality of TMCC reception by the radio board is really a function of the quality of the antenna in the car or locomotive. If your detection car has a better antenna than your locomotive then the car may show all is fine but the loco will still have problems.

Ah, good point.

quote:

Originally posted by swise:

quote:

Originally posted by Bob:
Stevo,

The quality of TMCC reception by the radio board is really a function of the quality of the antenna in the car or locomotive. If your detection car has a better antenna than your locomotive then the car may show all is fine but the loco will still have problems.

Ah, good point.

But, it would narrow the problem. Also, if you buy one and fine tune your layout, you won't need the car anymore. So, it would have a short life span. What would be the best is to make one and rent it out.

Joe