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My 990 command set has started acting erratically.  It started with the scrolling feature (press the Eng key and then the Scroll key) to scroll to an engine number and it gives the error message 'Error Please Try Again'; then, after turning the remote on and off a few times, the remote would have the message Base Not Found and now that is solid.  Checked all connections and they are good.

I see where the 990 is no longer being produced.

Does anyone know if Lionel is still repairing them???

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@RickM46 posted:

My 990 command set has started acting erratically.  It started with the scrolling feature (press the Eng key and then the Scroll key) to scroll to an engine number and it gives the error message 'Error Please Try Again'; then, after turning the remote on and off a few times, the remote would have the message Base Not Found and now that is solid.  Checked all connections and they are good.

I see where the 990 is no longer being produced.

Does anyone know if Lionel is still repairing them???

Rick:

Lionel repaired mine early this year. My issue was with the Command Base, but they had me send back the CAB-2 Remote Controller as well. Took about three weeks and the Command Set came back as good as new. Lionel paid the postage both ways and there was no charge for the repairs. Call Lionel first to get an RMA.

Pat

Is the red LED just above the wheel on when you have the issues?  Sounds like a signal issue between the remote and base.  I know you said you've checked all the connections, but might want to verify the antenna is tightly screwed to the base and perhaps wiggle it a little.

If nothing helps, then I can confirm that as of a month ago, Lionel is repairing 990's no questions asked.

Thanks fellas, glad to hear that L is still repairing them.

BUT, made a bunch of rookie mistakes while dealing with the scrolling problems and the Base not Found issues:

While checking the base, I inadvertently pressed the channel button; and, while checking the connection from the base to the ZWL, disconnected the base from the transformer.  So, switched the base to channel 2 and re-scanned that into the remote; fixed the connection to the transformer; changed the batteries to a fresher Ni Hydride backup set and charged them.

Now, scrolling goes better, am not getting Base not Found.  Will stress it a bunch today.

Many thanks to the forum members; got excellent help from the members that guided me thru repairing the smoke unit on my Big Boy in 2019 - extreme patience and step by step help.

Just for the heck of it, I looked on the Bay for a 990; most are North of 1K.

@RickM46 posted:

Saw on the forum that Lionel is working on a new command system; saw there is a new Base 3 in the works.  Can anyone describe what components will be required for that system??

A command base3 and your smart phone, no remote unless you have a cab1L or a legacy remote will work with the new command base.  But for the most part it’s meant to work with the new app on your phone.

@RickM46 posted:

Thanks fellas, glad to hear that L is still repairing them.

BUT, made a bunch of rookie mistakes while dealing with the scrolling problems and the Base not Found issues:

While checking the base, I inadvertently pressed the channel button; and, while checking the connection from the base to the ZWL, disconnected the base from the transformer.  So, switched the base to channel 2 and re-scanned that into the remote; fixed the connection to the transformer;

Now, scrolling goes better, am not getting Base not Found. 

Keep in mind there are 9 channels to choose from. It has been mentioned in the past that the higher channels tend to have a stronger signal, in the event you have any communication issues in the future.

Often times issues are the easy stuff, which is a good place to start.

I have had catastrophic engine failures fixed with a simple cleaning of the track.

Thanks CarlJ!!

Went up to TW and saw that it is available for pre-order and due to arrive Dec 31 2022:

https://www.trainworld.com/lio...10-lionel-base3.html

Looks like there is support for xferring your 990 Base engine info to the Base 3:    Memory module support - Included writable module to easily transfer your engine roster from your Base2 to your new Base3. Reads older Legacy engine orange modules.

Have been bouncing the remote and base on and off for a few hours; remote is back to normal; scrolling is instantaneous with no Error messages; and the set speed limit does not go away.

I did the following:  made sure all connections were correct; replaced the batteries with fresh ones and charged them; changed the channel from 1 and 2 to a final of 6 (thanks to RickO).  My guess: I think the prior batteries were weak.

Am going to consider the new Base 3 when it becomes available.

Thanks fellas, Merry Christmas!!

@RickM46 posted:

Thanks CarlJ!!

Went up to TW and saw that it is available for pre-order and due to arrive Dec 31 2022:

https://www.trainworld.com/lio...10-lionel-base3.html

Looks like there is support for xferring your 990 Base engine info to the Base 3:    Memory module support - Included writable module to easily transfer your engine roster from your Base2 to your new Base3. Reads older Legacy engine orange modules.

You can get a lot of the answers you seek including the expected delivery date on Base 3 in the following video.

Last edited by MartyE

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