Lionel Lift Bridge 6-12782, Again!

Zak,

In case this didn't happen already during the last thread, it's likely the main on/off rocker switch on the controller has died.

This happened with mine right after I bought it from a fellow forum member. Unfortunately, this is a common ailment with these bridges. Doesn't help the controller box isn't replaceable really.

The bright side is this should be an easy fix. Just solder a wire under the rocker switch to jump the power past it. The downside is you'll need a manual way to switch the power on/off like from a separate power strip.

I should note I power my bridge just using the main power supply and use the sensors for insulated sections just before the bridge.

It looks to me that you may have had something burn up on the PCB. I have uploaded your pics on which I marked where I think the burn occurred, possibly causing the trace to become open circuit.

If you have an ohm meter, you visually follow the trace from the corner of the board to the nearest connection (looks like its on one of the connectors) and then measure the resistance - 0 ohms good, open bad.

You can also sniff the board, as some electronics have a distinctive odor when burned.

Unfortunately, if the trace is open, putting in a wire to replace the trace may cause more problems than the one you are trying to fix. If a component shorted, causing the high current flow to burn open the trace, then putting in the wire would just reestablish the current flow and you might burn out more components.

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Thanks Mikado 4501,

I did have continuity on the switch, also while 'on' I have voltage there. I may replace the switch anyway.

Q: "....I power my bridge just using the main power supply ....." How did you accomplish this?

MED,

I did repair that area, and have continuity through it. The 'cause' is up for debate, but it does tie to the 'sensors'

It did work after the repair, But, I think you maybe on to something with it taking out another component, or at least weaking one!