Legacy problem

I moved this to the legacy forum....the 3-rail tradition forum is not the proper place to ask about a legacy problem.

Well, there is a known method to measure and compare TMCC/Legacy base transmit strength.

https://ogrforum.com/...59#25926753769853559

@Ingeniero No1 posted:

Dale,

This is great information - Thank You!

I drew this schematic based on the description you provided (link) and wondered if I interpreted your description correctly. Please comment.

Thx -

Alex

Now, previously, we would have said contact Lionel support, they were still repairing Legacy 990 base and remote sets. I saw a recent forum post someone said they no longer fix the base, but I would not give up- still contact Lionel, it's worth a shot- worst they can say is no.

Thank you for moving to the proper place.

I am using the legacy base 1L I believe it is called. It is a long slender box with the cab1L remote. But I notice all of my engine lights flicker. I bought the command cab1L last week new. I am definitely stumped on what to. The original traimaster control stuff works great. I just thought I would up grade a little. Seems instead of moving I moved backwards.

Let's hold off on making that kind of judgement.

We haven't even yet proven or properly troubleshot the basics:

Example, for one thing, you clearly have not yet proven by simply measuring the base transmit strength at a voltage, comparing your old base to the new base.

Then we get into other topics- like I think you still own 2 bases, they both cannot be connected to the track and powered at the same time or else they can interfere.

Also, base transmit strength is tied to ensuring the power supply for the base is the correct type with ground and is correctly plugged into a grounded outlet.

Is this a used Cab1L set?

I vaguely recall some sort of signal issues with the initial release of the cab 1L base.

They had to go back to Lionel for repair.

That makes since

Does lionel still fix these things?

I agree with Vernon, the exact symptom you describe is when a TMCC base and Legacy Base1-L are both plugged in at the same time.

I don't just mean not connected to the track.  The TMCC base must be unplugged as it can still send a signal without a wire to the track.  remember legacy signals to the engine are through the air, the track just acts as an antenna.

Is there away to increase signal strength?

@Ccriss posted:

Is there away to increase signal strength?

https://ogrforum.com/...e-s-legacy-continues

Edit: that said, this should NOT be your first option. You need to properly troubleshoot first basic TMCC signal stuff like grounding and other tests first.

Well I ordered a new power wort (box) . Now my trains run great. The old that came with it said out put volts was 9 volts. The new one that came said 12volt out put. I thought this will blow 😮‍💨 up in my face.  But I was ready to give up on legacy. But everything seems to working fine. Thanks for all the input. The electronics makes the hobby a lot more interesting if I can just master them

The BASE1L uses a 9V AC output power supply brick.  Using 12V is pushing it, that may shorten it's life as it's doubtless dissipating more power in the regulator.  I'd look for the right power supply and/or fix the BASE1L if the correct 9VAC power supply doesn't work.

Gunrunnerjohn, this aging thing sucks. I was so discouraged after what you said that I was putting back the trainmaster box to run all my trains in conventional mode and I turn my zw on it its side to wire it and just notice the common was on top not the bottom. I have been wiring everything backwards. I waste 🗑 more money on stupid mistakes. I really appreciate you commenting back to me. I highly respect your wealth of knowledge.  Sure don't want to go against your advice that's for sure.  Thanks again.

Everything running well again?

Yes perfect. Thank you so much. You have a great weekend