Chuck, thanks for the help. The link was very helpful. I tried one more time, no joy, so I decided to first, try the earth ground and if that didn't work, then open it up to see if something was flapping in the breeze, but as I pulled the switch from the layout I had an idea. I attached it to a spur near the command base and tried again. It worked with the manual lever and then, much to my surprise, I was able to program it. so I returned it to it's designated spot on the layout and it has work like a charm. I don't know why, but, I'll take it. But for your pointing to the link, I doubt I would have tried that. i figured it was destined for Lionel.
Thanks!!!
Ed
Now I can move on to wire up a BPC2 and ASC2. Should be fun.