Curious TMCC Issue

Jedderbob posted:

Hello all, yesterday I finally finished the beginnings of my first ever layout! I am excited to have things running properly in conventional mode but now I wanted to hook up the TMCC set I bought to my ZW-L. I tried hooking the TMCC Command Base into the ZW-L's command post. I fire up the power and...nothing. The train just acts as if the Command Base wasn't connected. I am really in need of help and anyone who could steer me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated. Attached are some pictures of my setup for your convenience. Thank you all so much!

Does the ZW-L's blue "Lionel" light flash when it's powered up?

Is the CONV /CMD switch in command?

Did you assign the transformer an ENG or TR ID?

Is there by any chance a direct connection between an outer rail (transformer common) and an earth ground point (i.e., an electrically  grounded metal object in the basement) ?

If so, this will kill the TMCC signal.

Dave

MartyE posted:

Does the ZW-L's blue "Lionel" light flash when it's powered up?

Is the CONV /CMD switch in command?

Did you assign the transformer an ENG or TR ID?

The blue light remains static, it's lit but no flashing. I have it set to conventional as I am trying to control the individual trains with my TMCC not control the ZW-L as if it were an engine or track. To further that point, no I did not assign the transformer an engine or track ID.

Dtrainmaster posted:

Is there by any chance a direct connection between an outer rail (transformer common) and an earth ground point (i.e., an electrically  grounded metal object in the basement) ?

If so, this will kill the TMCC signal.

Dave

No, not that I know of. The only thing that the outside rails are connected to is the wiring that serves as my buss.

Thanks for the replies so far!

Then just connect the TMCC base wire to the U post on the A handle output.  ZW-L in conventional mode.

Power base first, then turn on ZW-L. Set the track voltage with the handle to 18v. Address an engine and run.

Read the ZW-L manual for the rest for complete command control.

Moonman posted:

Then just connect the TMCC base wire to the U post on the A handle output.  ZW-L in conventional mode.

Power base first, then turn on ZW-L. Set the track voltage with the handle to 18v. Address an engine and run.

Read the ZW-L manual for the rest for complete command control.

The problem is that's what I'm doing. Still no dice and my engine starts up as if the Command Base wasn't hooked up at all.

Ah I understand now.  You still want to move the handles. 

Do the engine lights flicker?  Basic question but the U is going to the outside rails?  The command base is plugged into a properly grounded outlet? Have you tired to connect the U output of the base directly to the outside rail?

MartyE posted:

Ah I understand now.  You still want to move the handles. 

Do the engine lights flicker?  Basic question but the U is going to the outside rails?  The command base is plugged into a properly grounded outlet? Have you tired to connect the U output of the base directly to the outside rail?

This video should answer your questions as well but...

The engine on the outside track no longer fires up immediately yet it still doesn't respond to my commands. The engine on the inside track still acts as if the Command Base is disconnected. The U wire is going to the same outside rail on every power drop along the way. The command base is plugged into a non-grounded extension cord which is plugged into a grounded extension cord which is plugged into a grounded power strip which is connected to a grounded outlet.

I have not tried connecting the Command Base right to the outside rail but I don't have any left over feeder wires to use to do that.

Ok, well, no base signal or engine is not receiving signal. 

Does the red light blink on the base when you push a remote button?

Is engine PGM/RUN switch in run mode?

Are both engines TMCC? What does the other one do?

Sorry,

I was posting the same time as you. The non-grounded extension cord is the problem. Ensure the base and the ZW-L are connected to three wire cords and receptacle.

Jedderbob posted:

The problem is that's what I'm doing. Still no dice and my engine starts up as if the Command Base wasn't hooked up at all.

Which AC adapter / power supply are you using with the Command Base? What(specifically) is it plugged into?

Moonman posted:

Sorry,

...The non-grounded extension cord is the problem...

 And there's the problem.

Moonman has your answer, the TMCC base must be plugged in to a properly grounded outlet.  the 2 to 3 prong adaptor will not work as half of the TMCC signal is broadcast over the ground wiring of your house.  

JGL

Thanks to the lot of you! I changed out the non grounded extension cord and TMCC works like a charm!

Glad it was something simple. Let's see a video of the NYC smokin' you out!

Moonman posted:

Glad it was something simple. Let's see a video of the NYC smokin' you out!

When I get it smoking again you bet I will! I'll take a video regardless, smoke or not. That being said do be prepared for potato-esque quality from my iPhone camera.

Jedderbob posted:

Moonman posted:

Glad it was something simple. Let's see a video of the NYC smokin' you out!

When I get it smoking again you bet I will! I'll take a video regardless, smoke or not. That being said do be prepared for potato-esque quality from my iPhone camera.

The trouble shooting video was good. it should come out ok, potatoes and all.