Help - Some really stupid Qs re TMCC

Mike,

Connect the "U" POst on the command base to only 1 lockon, specifically the outside rail.

 

The red light on command base will flicker only when a command is sent, so if you are addressing an item, such as ENG 32 you will not see any communication blicking, until you actually send a command like "F" coupler, or throttle, etc.

 

Also ensure you have fully charged, new AA batteries in the remote. The 26.75MHz communication between the Cab-1 and Command Base is ROCK solid, location of the base should have very little to no influence on reception from the Cab-1. Sometimes you need to extend the Cab-1 antenna a bit (like one collapsable length), but this is purely influenced by environmentals.

 

You can get by with the CW-80 for monkeying around, but I would strongly suggest a power supply that puts out 18 VAC and has more amperage than what the CW-80 offers. Our baseline recommendation from Lionel CS is 7.5 Amps, such as a 135W powerhouse. If you want the ability to operate conventional equipment combine a Powerhouse with a Powermaster or TPC (The TPC will allow future growth in amperage upwards of 15-20 Amps, depeneding on the TPC you select). But for monkeying around or even expanding a bit I would suggest a 135W or 180W powerhouse.

 

Hope that helps!

Mike

Lionel

Hey Mike - the man himself - thanks for that. I take your point re the power house and will replace the batteries as a matter of course as its a simple fix.

 

CHEERS MIKE

HI All,

 

I have a further set of questions........sorry.

 

After following Mike R's advice and checking the connection and new batteries in the remote I am please to report the my Lionel Mikado Jr and Berkshire Jr locos work perfectly............fantastic!

 

However by Lionmaster Hudson is very erratic even though I have the reprograming instructions.

 

I also have a K Line TMC semi-scale Hudson which again wont do anything accept the occasional whistle and coupler command although in "cruise" it will run very slowly. Whatever I do it makes no difference.With the cruise switch off on the loco it wont move at all!

 

Could the lack of power from my CW80 cause this or am I missing something?

 

MAny thanks

 

MIKE

It could be simply the chopped waveform coming out of the CW-80.  If you've done all the usual things like cleaning rollers, wheels, and the like, I'd try a different transformer, or take it to a friend's layout and test it there.  The CW-80 is marginal, depending on what else is on the layout also drawing power.

when I got back into trains a few years ago I had a cw80 powering a small layout, 8X10.  when the engine got to the other end of the layout it would stop.  I added some feeds but that did not help.  the only thing that did the trick was another transformer.  I got the MTH z1000, problem sloved.  I use the cw80 for under the christmas tree.

Hopefully by Sept there will be a new Mid-Range Lionel transformer

Mike W, The k-line hudson most likely has a cruise problem, as speed control in the loco is controlled by serial data, not pwm like all other tmcc compatible locos (hence the issues with k-line cruise and lash up direction). OR follow the instructions to put the loco in 32 speed step mode, cruise on (I believe the switch is for conventional use only). The lionmaster hudson, make certain the handrail ends are in the nylon shoulder washers on the pilot and not touching ground! Sounds like a signal reception issue to me. Mike

Thank you Mike R and others. I will follow th suggestions and report back.

 

Thanks

 

CHEERS MIKE

Further update - Mr Lionmaster Hudson is much improved after checking all the handrails and re-seating all the boards and checking all the connectors.Still does a few odd things but 100% better than yesterday.

 

Just wish I could resolve the Kline Hudson as I love the detail on that engine.

 

MIKE

Did you test on a different layout and/or a different transformer?

Hi John,

 

No not yet. here in England there are very few of us who run american trains - but thats a good idea.

 

MIKE

Well, I guess location has a lot to do with it.   Take it over to the Olympics, maybe they have trains.

Ho Ho - Olympics.....very good!!

 

I have now tried the system with another transformer - dont laugh - a 1033 - interestingly all the locos worked fine with TMCC on ashort bit of track except the Kline Hudson.

 

I think I have tried all the options now - I can get the loco to accept an Id Number, can get whistle bell and couplers to function, get a faint and garbled crew talk but still it will only move very slowly wit the cruise on.

 

Can I bypass the cruise feature? Any other ideas gratefully received.

 

CHEERS MIKE