Atlas O TMCC signal issues

I have 3 atlas o diesels behaving the same way. all my Lionel engines run perfectly.  Did you find a solution for the problem?

My guess is an earth ground issue, the signal sounds like it's marginal.  If you've tried all the other fixes, the next step is usually a shot in the arm for the TMCC signal.

Hi John

is this a picture of the signal booster 

Yep, that's the signal booster.

Can I pick one up from you at York 

If you're looking for the kit version, that is possible.  The assembled versions are BTO as I'm sold out of the ones that were already built.

What does the acronym BTO stand for

Thanks John.  How can I get on the list for the next batch of assembled versions?  How much are you asking?

My issue was with the ground on the transformer after all. I was using a grounded multi plug adapter that allowed me to plug in both Z1000s and both the DCS and Legacy to the same outlet. I moved the control systems to another wall plug, removed the adapter, and plugged the control systems and transformers directly into the grounded wall outlet. That was the last of any signal issues. No booster needed for me at least. A good ground is paramount to signal quality. Good luck!

Clarkster is right, good ground is critical.   If you have an AC circuit tester you might want to check the outlet you are using to be sure it is grounded properly, especially if you live in an older home.  You can pick up a tester in any big box store or Walmart for $5-$6.  Also remove any power strip or surge protector, at least for now.

TMCC/Legacy Track Signal Booster (Dale's Legacy Continues) - Final kits/assembled units almost gone

Send me an email to my profile address and we'll talk.

I am having the same issue with 2 of my Atlas O locos.  All others (Lionel and Atlas) 100% fine.  I removed the power bars to ensure a proper ground - no improvement. Track cleaning maybe helped a bit but still issues.   What is more puzzling is that if you run these two locos for say 15 minutes all the apparent signal issues dissappear - until next time - and again a 10-15 minute run appears to cure? What is frustrating is that they consistently have issues after sitting for even a day or so.  I am out of ideas as to what the issues are except fairly sure a signal strength problem of some sort??

Tell us specifically which Atlas locos these are, and hopefully someone can help you.

I can't speak for the Atlas locos specifically but I was having an intermittent signal issue on my layout that was extremely frustrating, turned out it was interference from the baby monitor. I was placing it next to my legacy base and that was enough to cause issues. Now I leave the monitor on the other side of the room and there are no more signal issues.

First stop is to swap the R2LC board and see if the signal issues follow the board.

The locos are an RS-1 and C424.  I don't have an extra reciever board so if I swap it, may just be trading problems....also I can tell you these locos not that easy to take apart so a bit hestitant to do that to another that runs fine.  In any event I may try swapping receivers at some point....a likely issue.  Still think odd the problem consistently goes away after the locos 'warm up'.....

@DMBX posted:

Still think odd the problem consistently goes away after the locos 'warm up'.....

I have a atlas RS1 that runs terrible…until it warms up !

Out of the 16 atlas locos I own that has TMCC that’s the only one that acts that way.

I have an atlas O SD40 that has always ran like a dog. It would cut out and stop abruptly, lights would flicker, and response was poor

I had Ditched the TAS EOB and upgraded to an ERR cruise commander which I had professionally installed.... the problem persisted

The tech found that the solid wheels were not making good contact with the common due to inherently flawed truck design

solutions:

- get rid of traction tires

- swap location of solid wheel set and traction tire wheel set

- if you can find replacement  solid wheel set, replace the traction tire wheel set

@DMBX posted:

also I can tell you these locos not that easy to take apart so a bit hestitant to do that to another that runs fine.

You don't have to tell me that, I cringe when an Atlas engine comes in for repair or upgrade.

Intersesting theory about the wheel contacts.  I suspected similar as running trains would remove some of the contact issues (such as removing dirt/minor corrossion) as did cleaning - both yielded some performance improvements on both of these locos. I also have an Atlas SD40 and it runs fine. I also have another C424 and it runs fine. It is so odd some units affected and run awful in command mode?? I am going to try giving the wheels a good cleaning and see if that helps.  Thanks for your insights guys!

Well a good abrasive wheel cleaning seems to have helped, no more flickering lights. Of course, will see in a few days if the problem re-occurs.  I do have a couple dummy units as well so the suggested wheelset swap will be my next stop if issues persist. Such a process of elimination! Overall my Atlas locos very reliable and many miles on them, this is my only recurring issue to date.

@amtrack5899 posted:

What does the acronym BTO stand for

Built to Order

@Jstewart204 posted:

I can't speak for the Atlas locos specifically but I was having an intermittent signal issue on my layout that was extremely frustrating, turned out it was interference from the baby monitor. I was placing it next to my legacy base and that was enough to cause issues. Now I leave the monitor on the other side of the room and there are no more signal issues.

Besides college tuition, another good reason not to have any kids!

Obviously kidding - we have three and I wouldn't trade them for a thing. Well, maybe the youngest one for a Lionel Legacy Vision Line steamer.

Eventually the size and position of the antenna, (SW models) was improved. Silver plate top of cab, (see picture).   SW models never had electronic speed control, and worked well with a large horizontal motor and flywheel.

RS1 were the first model to have an early speed control.  Unfortunately the ramp-up was not linear.  It was exponential, that required,  a little, getting uses to.   30 Years later, a lot of the initial technology has been discontinued.   

Well happy to report loco signal problem fixed.  I needed 4 hands but turned over the units and had 1st 2 hands hold wires to contact to get wheels moving. 2nd 2 hands used fine sandpaper to clean and polish tread.  No more flickering, or bad running.  My conclusion - bad signal strength due to poor gound as suggested by Gogen81.  I think maybe the blackened wheels on some unit buid up (or have due to manufacturing) a kind of varnish or someother insulating property.  Removing this buildup by polishing the treads fixed the issue. Cheers! Ps I condidered swapping wheelsets but not that easy and glad I seemed to have found a fix!