Folks:

My system includes Atas track, Legacy v. 1.2 upgrade, Modern ZW with two 180 Bricks. The ZW is programmed for command mode and is set to TR 1,2,3,4. This set up had been working well.

Here is my problem:

I had not run my trains in over a month and had everything off. I just got my CSX superbase and my Santa Fe SD-40 dummy and wanted to test them out.

I fired up my system with the powered Santa Fe and dummy and immediately noticed erratic behavior. The engines would be unresponsive with flickering lights. The system would shut down and sometimes when powering up the ZW (TR1 turn up red wheel) the powered unit would begin to move almost as though it were in conventional mode.

Here is what I did.

1. I removed the Legacy system and operated in conventional mode and everything worked as it should.

2. I restored Legacy and replaced the modern ZW with my Post War ZW and noticed no improvement.

3. I replaced the Legacy with my original TMCC Cab-1 system and all worked well.

At this point it appeared that the problem was probably with the Legacy system.

4. I restored the Legacy system and reinstalled the upgrade v 1.2 and noticed no improvemnent.

I am leaning toward reinstalling the original modules but I understand that this will wipe out all the data and I would have to re-enter everything again and I don't even know if this would solve the problem.

Do you folks have any ideas or suggestions.


Thanks for your help.


Regards

Joe

Joe,

It sounds like a signal issue from Legacy to the track. A couple thoughts here,
If Legacy is plugged into a powerstrip try plugging it into a wall outlet.
Is the binding post itself tight on the Legacy base. Also try running a wire from the binding post direct to outside rail on the track if not that way already.

Just for the heck of it the batteries are fresh in the cab-2.

Hope this helps.

Doug

Doug has pretty much covered it. Good luck. Let us know.

The handheld should not be a factor if you are not getting an adequate track signal to the loco, causing the flashing lights. Seems like the base should be sending out the "No Operation" idling signal even if no handheld is active. Since I don't have Legacy, can someone confirm that the trains don't run away in conventional when you switch off a handheld?

Folks:

Thanks for the ideas.

I think Doug pretty much nailed it. Evidently TMCC/Cab-1 is not as fussy re signal strength as Legacy is.

Doug got me thinking so I decided to simplify and remove layers of complexity. I set up an independent simple oval of O72 Fastrack. These track sections were only used once last Christmas. I hooked up my PW ZW and the Legacy system hooked up with the one wire going to common on the ZW. Voila, success! No loss of power and complete control. All functions were normal.

The second thing I did was to replace the PW ZW with my modern ZW and 2 180 Bricks. Again, success with no problems. I was able to test the Santa Fe Dash dummy and I built a lash-up. All worked well.

Finally I was able to add the new CSX superbass to my powered/nonpowered lash up. Again, success and worked well. As an aside the superbass adds a new dimension to the sounds of diesels.

I guess I need to tear down my original carpet central and rebuild it while looking for lose or bad connections.


Regards

Joe

Joe,

Good to hear,glad I could help.


Doug

The trains do not take off with the handheld turned off.

Joe,

I had an intermittent signal problem when I first got my Legacy unit. Sometimes trains would respond fine and other times they wouldn't respond at all. I noticed the stud on the Legacy base was loose, i.e. I could rotate the stud by hand. I opened up the base and found the nut securing the stud less then finger tight. I tightened the nut and have had no further problems with Legacy. It is an easy check before you start dismantling your layout.

Good luck...
Earl