Having an issue programming a TMCC engine w/Legacy controller.

The fact that the dummy is reving immediately tells me that it does not detect the signal from the base.  However, your powered unit does responds properly so that tells me the base is fine.  Conditions that may cause the dummy not to detect the signal is antenna disconnected, antenna grounded, the radio board bad or bad connection. 

On the dummy inspect the wire to and from the antenna.  Disconnect the wire from the board and reconnect it.  Test.

If no change, then remove R2LC radio board and reinstall.  Test.

If no change, then swap the R2LCs between each unit.  Test.  See if the problem moves and the dummy now responds properly.  If so, then bad radio board.   

@Steims posted:

The fact that the dummy is reving immediately tells me that it does not detect the signal from the base.  However, your powered unit does responds properly so that tells me the base is fine.  Conditions that may cause the dummy not to detect the signal is antenna disconnected, antenna grounded, the radio board bad or bad connection.

On the dummy inspect the wire to and from the antenna.  Disconnect the wire from the board and reconnect it.  Test.

If no change, then remove R2LC radio board and reinstall.  Test.

If no change, then swap the R2LCs between each unit.  Test.  See if the problem moves and the dummy now responds properly.  If so, then bad radio board.   

I'll give it a shot in the AM and report back. Thanks!!

When programing the engine into the remote, be sure to set the command mode to TMCC not Legacy.

On the dummy inspect the wire to and from the antenna.  Disconnect the wire from the board and reconnect it.  Test. - No change.

If no change, then remove R2LC radio board and reinstall.  Test. - No change.

If no change, then swap the R2LCs between each unit.  Test.  See if the problem moves and the dummy now responds properly.  If so, then bad radio board. - Swapped R2LC's and it acted the same as when I started.

Lastly, I unplugged the PowerHouse and PowerMaster and ran it off the CW-80, again no change.

I'm stumped...

Jeff,

   If I remember correctly the dummy unit is only IDed to control smoke and the rear electro-coupler. Dummies do not have a horn or even engine sounds as they are dumb. That’s how my TMCC Alco FAs work. Use the same ID # for both A units powered and non powered.

JohnB

Jeff, I just pulled one of my SD-70ACes out last weekend and it would not program.  I found the PROG/RUN switch was bad.  It was easy to check with a VOM.   Try that.

The dummy is not completely dumb on this set.  It has the R2LC board to receive signals to control sound.  The non-powered unit provides all the sounds.  The radio board signals the sound board for horn, bell and rear coupler firing. 

The non-powered unit also has a Hall-effect sensor mounted to the rear truck.  I believe it detects speed so that it can change the engine RPM sound to match movement.   Maybe it went bad and sending a continuous false moving signal.  I suggest pulling the connector on the board and try to program again.  Here is pick of the wiring to the Hall effect sensor and where it is connected on the motherboard.

Todays update.

• Checked all three switches, they are all good.
• Unplugged the Hall-effect sensor and back to the track. As soon as I applied power to the track, the sounds came on and the RPM's started escalating.

There is a way in the manual to reset the Railsounds.   Hit AUX1 then 0.    

The sounds coming on is an indication the sound board isn't seeing the serial data.  If you swapped the R2LC and it didn't fix it, try swapping the sound boards.

GRJ, I had swapping sound board recommendation all typed up ready to post until I discovered the powered unit does not have one.  Then I was going after a R2LC reset but the manual does not list that.   I planned on trying standard reset procedure if this AUX1-0 doesn’t do the trick.  
Sound board could be problem but he’ll have to find one from another engine to test.  

Engine ID set 1 - 5? I thought I read somewhere that TMCC need to be programmed the lower single digits. Might just be for lashups. I can't remember. Worth a try?

@Brennenr05 posted:

Engine ID set 1 - 5? I thought I read somewhere that TMCC need to be programmed the lower single digits. Might just be for lashups. I can't remember. Worth a try?

TMCC engine numbers are 1-99 and Train #s (lash ups are 1-9 (single digit)

JohnB

@Steims posted:

GRJ, I had swapping sound board recommendation all typed up ready to post until I discovered the powered unit does not have one.  Then I was going after a R2LC reset but the manual does not list that.   I planned on trying standard reset procedure if this AUX1-0 doesn’t do the trick.  
Sound board could be problem but he’ll have to find one from another engine to test.  

You can swap the sound board with most any other RS4 sound board.  Might sound a little odd, but they're all electrically compatible.