range of dcc

[jberwick]

What is the effective range(distance) with the dcc commander? Can two trains be running in opposite directions at the same time?

[ACY]

1. As long as there is no interference you shouldn't have a problem with range.
2. Yes you could theoretically have a head on collision even, but you can run several trains in either direction on your layout independent of each other.

[jward]

range is a trick question. if you are referring to ir or radio throttles, any room you set your trains up in should be within their range.

but this is only half the equation. the throttles must transmit the dcc commands to the command station, which must then relay it to the affected locomotive through the rails. this is where the signal usually degrades, due to dirty track or not enough feeders. rail has a higher resistance than the feeder wires, so it is recommended that you have an additional set of feeders for every 6 feet or so of track. the redundancy of the extra feeders will greatly increase the reliability of your dcc system.