In December 2022, I decided to assemble a model train set. First thought of trains since 1955!I bought some O36 Fastrack rails, transformer, and an engine with tender. Things evolved and I bought some Command Control switches, Cab 1L remote, and a Base 1L.
They controlled the engines just fine. However, only one of six CC switches would pair and control correctly. After a long exasperating trouble shooting trial, I discovered that if I held my hand close to the switch it would work! Ahh Ha, a capacitance problem. I received another device that had an AC adapter and by accident I discovered that by using that one the switches worked correctly. The difference was that the new adapter was a 3 prong plug in. I checked it with my trusty Simson ohm/volt meter and found that there was no ground pass through to either of the two wires from the adapter to the Base 1L. So I figure that the capacitance effects must be passed through those wires to the Base 1L antenna system.
The Base 1L instruction book does mention that “the outlet must be properly grounded” Mine is. “NOTE! Command Base wallpack. Do not use the wallpack to power any other device. It’s three-prong plug is unique.” (It sure is!)
But what does all that mean? And, I trusted that the equipment I purchased was factory correct. It wasn’t. All’s well that ends well?
Lionel help line was no help, except, they did repair 3 of those CC switches that did have other inherent problems and they did it with a 10 day turn around! I’m impressed.
Any other insight to my problem would be appreciated.
