I recently purchased a Lionel ZW transformer with 2 bricks. I wired it up to 4 tracks in the command control environment (classic TMCC, not legcay). The command base is wired to post A on the back of the ZW. I tried to set it up for one-handle mode, but something went wrong. The track attached to post D (only D) powers up prematurely. The moment I flip the corresponding brick on, the engine on that track (and only that track) turns on. It doesn't start to move, just lights and sound. It is quite bizarre as it even happens when all handles on the ZW are pulled all the way down in the off position. For this reason, I have a suspicion that power is traveling directly from the brick to track somehow, and for the most part, bypassing the ZW. Has anyone seen anything like this, and do you have a suggestion on how to fix it?
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FIRST ! UNPLUG EVERY THING FROM WALL OUTLETS
READ DIRECTIONS !! IF MEMORY SERVES ME CORRECT ! YOU CONNECT A WIRE FROM THE TMCC BASE TO THE U POST (THE NEGATIVE side) not the A POST!!
I am Typing in Caps to prove a point ! READ DIRECTIONS OF EVERY Component you are using !! You can cause damage to your trains & YOU & YOUR HOUSE !
Hopefully the LIONEL TECHS can help you out !
I made a bad mistake before ! I am trying to save you problems !
Post again when you get things corrected !
I am sorry. The command base is in fact wired to the U post (ground), not the A post like my original description makes it sound like.
Start out with a zero reset, all handles down and a reset to zero voltage level. It’s in the instructions. I don’t have them handy, do you have a manual?
CJACK, I do have the manual. When I tried to recalibrate it to zero, the red light did not blink 5 times like it said it would. I held the program button for an extremely long time, yet no blinks. I know the red light is functional because when I address the transformer with the cab 1 remote, it blinks. Is there anything more to a zero reset that is not included in the manual? For example, it says to disconnect the command base which I did. Should I also be doing something else such as disconnecting all wires going to track from the back of the transformer?
Thanks for the helpful responses.
NSDTrains posted:...For example, it says to disconnect the command base which I did. Should I also be doing something else such as disconnecting all wires going to track from the back of the transformer?
In addition to disconnecting the base, & more important, is to be sure the base is powered down/off.