Just finished installing a new/refurbished e unit on my Lionel 2020. It seems to work fine until it tries to cross a piece of control track (6019) then the e unit gets tripped, tries to reverse directions, then stops. As far as I can tell there is no change in voltage on the control track. Thoughts?
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The E unit is working as intended. Your problem is typical loss of power when crossing over a switch or special track like a control track.
Turn the E-unit to locked in forward or fix your pickup rollers VS track problem.
Again, you most likely have a situation that only one pickup roller is working. When the one that is working rolls into the red plastic area- the engine would lose power if the other pickup roller on the metal rail is not providing power.
Cleaning the pickup roller shafting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm9ubDWUkF8
Track cleaning and pickup roller cleaning discussions https://ogrforum.com/...5#162334965802343745
Again, bottom line, you most likely have a pickup roller not working well and that combined with that track results in a power drop.
The E unit is working as intended and the power loss and returns are seen as commands to change direction.
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Thanks. Put my Loco on the test bench and both rollers seem to be making good contact, Also, cleaned the rollers and cleaned the control track with no change. Any other thoughts?
Put a 2" long piece of painter's or masking tape on the center rail of your test track where the front roller pickup rests and apply power. If the engine moves, then the rear pickup is good. If not, you may have a loose or bad wiring, short, etc. in the rear roller.
Reverse the engine so the rear pickup now rests on the tape and re-apply power and see if it moves with same, above, results for the front roller.
If both pickups are good, the problem lies elsewhere.
Thanks. Put my Loco on the test bench and both rollers seem to be making good contact, Also, cleaned the rollers and cleaned the control track with no change. Any other thoughts?
@Richie C. posted:Put a 2" long piece of painter's or masking tape on the center rail of your test track where the front roller pickup rests and apply power. If the engine moves, then the rear pickup is good. If not, you may have a loose or bad wiring, short, etc. in the rear roller.
Reverse the engine so the rear pickup now rests on the tape and re-apply power and see if it moves with same, above, results for the front roller.
If both pickups are good, the problem lies elsewhere.
Great troubleshooting advice to follow!