Track Continuity

Orgiva

Orgiva

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A quick question, hopefully with a simple answer. With DC I could check the voltage at any part of my track with a multi-meter. How do I do the same with a DCC (LGB MTS) system. Is there a similarly simple way?
 
A multi-meter set to AC should show evidence of voltage (or not), but don't expect it to be an accurate reading of the true DCC voltage (whilst the DCC signal is a form of alternating current it isn't the same wave form as the typical sine wave AC the meter is designed for).

There are specialised DCC meters such as the RRAMP meter

https://tonystrains.com/rrampmeter-by-dcc-specialties/

I have one of these and it works well, but I've not used it often. If I want to check there's power I just use a 24V light bulb (ex- christmas fairy light bulb) with a bit of wire and a crocodile clip soldered to the side. Works for DC, AC, DCC.
 
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Nick, thanks for the quick reply. Quick follow on. If I set the multi-meter to AC, do I touch the red lead on one rail and the black lead on the other rail to get the reading?
 
Yes, and as it's AC it doesn't matter which way round.
 
FYI I have my DCC set to 18v but on my multimeter set to AC it reads about 14v, so don't be concerned if it's less than you expect, unless it is zero of course!
 
The value you get will be less than the track voltage set on your DCC equipment..

But for test purposes, take a reading a few inches away from where you are feeding the DCC supply into the track. - But on the same length of rail, no joints between where you are feeding the track, and where you take the reading.

Then move further away from this point.. The reading should be broadly similar, though a little less.

If you find a point where there is a marked difference either side of a joint, then you probably need to open up that joint and clean the track-ends, before re-making it.
 
Orgiva said:
Thanks all for the advice.
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Another quick cheep and easy way to check Power on DCC is to use an old small Speaker. Just gives a Buzz. I have a test bogie with Track Pickups with one mounted on it. It has a Switch that can change between the speaker and a Lamp that has had a Rheostat put in the circuit. Thus if I am looking for a problem the Lamp is used, but working away from the problem to fix some wiring use the Speaker to tell me that Power has been restored to the remote section.
JonD
 
I checked this morning with my multi-meter. I got 6V AC at the central station and virtually exactly the same all around the layout. I guess this means that the continuity is good?
 
Orgiva said:
I checked this morning with my multi-meter. I got 6V AC at the central station and virtually exactly the same all around the layout. I guess this means that the continuity is good?
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It's encouraging.
However if you have no load on the track, i.e. no current flowing there won't be any voltage drop.
If you place something that draws a highish current as far as possible from your feed wires and then repeat the test you'd get an even better indication of continuity.I sometimes use a car headlight bulb or two, taking care not to exceed the power supply's max. current.
 
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