I ran into a strange problem when installing a new version of the Lionel 153 IR controller. I smoked my 153 IR controller that I purchased many years ago. The manual is dated 11/02. I purchased it later than that, probably around 2009. I applied too much power and POOF it was dead. The controller is operating a Lionel gateman, switch tower and a MTH crossing flashers with bell.
I ordered a new one from RO and installed it on the layout. The manual for this new 153IR was dated 3 / 22. The only things that had changed on the new 153IR was the elimination of the removeable track power lock on and it was replaced by a cord with connectors. Also, the "A" and "U" Aux power connector markings on the 3/22 153 IR (U A) were reversed (from the markings on the 11/02 153IR. (A U)
I connected the new 153 IR exactly as the old one with the exception of reversing the A and U wire connections. The lights in the two building came on as usually but when I tripped the IR relay it would click, but the accessories would not activate.
I returned the new 153IR to RO and a new one was sent. I hooked up the replacement 153 IR and -
... the same problem, the lights came on but no matter how I changed the wiring the IR sensor would click when activated but the accessories would not activate. I lost my sense of humor and walked away from the problem.
After thinking about the problem, I remembered that I had two more of the older 11 / 02 153 IR controllers on the layout used to activate Lionel modern block signals. I moved the new 3 / 22 153 IR to control one of the modern block signals ... and the block signal worked perfectly on the new 153IR!!
I moved the old 11 / 02 153 IR to control the operating gateman, switch tower and MTH crossing signals with bell ... and they worked perfectly!!
Go figure
?? it must be magic.
