Whetstone Bridge

Connections to bus with crimp connectors.

Was this a newbie error.... Bus: 24/0.2 Droppers: 16/0.2 I found this advice on a forum. Droppers generally no more than 300mm. There are some between 1m and 2.5m where there's some distance back to the feedback monitor that I couldn't avoid. What's the ideal max length before you get problems?

That's the one. Plus all the other GCR structures around and about. Basically one big viaduct ploughing across the Leicestershire countryside.

Made me laugh. Every time I search for info about the viaducts/bridges/embankments in our area, google tries to correct my spelling and tell me all about measuring unknown electrical resistance!

Oh dear. I followed some guidance a few months back. Forgotten where I found it. Hope I don't need to re-wire the whole lot!

Assuming there's a problem with resistance and an impact on voltage/current, how does that cause the problem with smooth running? Does the decoder just not have enough power (or a strong enough command signal) to turn into a consistent DC flow to the motor? Or is it constant fluctuation in the supply via the bus that causes a knock on? I'm not an electrician or a DCC expert so I've only got a very simple understanding of how this all works together. Solving frustrating problems is a good way to get a better understanding though...

Another thought. I've got 3no. DR4088 in a chain. That's only 3 connections to the bus. So 26 sections of track going through 3 connections/droppers. Perhaps use both connections to the bus from each DR4088 and increase the diameter of the cables?

Thanks for the suggestion. It's not overly large (at the moment) - 6m x 2.5m. 2 loops. Splits into 6 through a 3.5m fiddle yard. I've got 26 feedbacks and 15 turnouts connected to the bus. The number of droppers from the rail via the feedbacks to the DR5000 is greater than the number from the rail direct to the bus. Perhaps 2 to 1 ratio. Could this imbalance cause a problem?

After many months of research and preparation of loft space, I've finally got a fair amount of track laid and connected up to an interface. But why can't I get the locos to run smoothly? They all seem to speed & slow very slightly as they run. When it's bad, you can see wagons/coaches bunch up then pull apart. This may be a common/simple issue to resolve but I haven't found a solution anywhere online. I'm using: Digikeijs DR5000 (USB connection) & DR4088CS (LocoNet T) connection). Digikeijs DR4018 (with separate 12v supply to power accessories). 2 feedbacks per block. iTrain 5 Pro (trial download) and DR5000 software. Tried Rocrail but got the same problem. 8 pin decoders: Lenz, Hornby, Bachmann. 21 pin decoders: Lenz, Dapol, Bachmann Worst decoders: Bachmann 8 pin & 21 pin. Best: cheap Hornby 8 pin Worst loco: nearly new Bachmann Warship. Best: ancient Bachmann Class 25. Also: Running in: I've bought second hand locos that have seen a few miles but all have the same issue Track & wheels: spotless Happens in all blocks/feedbacks Tried a variety of CV adjustments in the DR5000 software and iTrain. I can mask the issue with changes to speed/acceleration/braking but it's still there. Changes to the BEMF settings make no difference Less noticeable on the 1.5% inclines but this is probably due to the extra load on motors Code 75 track/electrofrog turnouts/mtb point motors Makes me wonder if it's an issue with the DR5000/DR4088 or the wiring. These are the only consistent things. Any ideas? WB