Little to no smoke & dim lights

With the shell off the metal doesn't block the signal and most engines can run with out the antenna if R2LC not covered.  Since you need the shell, you need a functioning antenna/R2LC combination.  G

G,

I received your board.. It’s very erratic. An the engine does not properly run even in conventional mode. I tried a reset and reinstalling the engine. I wonder if it is the wrong board. Your #SDK1305. Mine # Reads JMA at a angle, then across LY0901, then at a angle MD. Because the M is over the 1 I am not totally sure it’s a (1).

Gerry

218-628-2445






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Jerry, Sent an e-mail.  Those are just manufacture markings.  Need to reset the r2lC to #4 for your engine.  G

GGG,

Since I reinstalled my R2LC.  The engine performed the same as in the past.  Dim lights and no smoke.  I also check the switch for the smoke with my meter and it beeped in the on position.  I don't know if that shows a circuit all the way to the smoke generator.

I again, I ran the engine in conventional mode.  Again bright lights.  But no smoke this time.   I checked as close as I could for bad wires, loose connections and any imperfections on the boards, etc.  If it is not the R2LC. What direction to check, should I go next?  Other than sending it to a tech.

Is this still the case?  The engines will work in command mode with the z-1000?

No, On main layout Z4000.

If the engines work in command in one location and not another, I'd be looking for differences in the environment.

 

One, point of note now that I am seeing the transformer you are using is that Lionel TMCC is rated only to 18VAC.  THey can be damaged with voltage above that.

 

MTH transformers especially the Z-4000 can go up towards 24V.  Don't exceed 18V as the track voltage for Lionel Engines with Command systems.  TMCC/Legacy.

 

It is possible that in conventional, especially if you had voltage up high the the smoke triac got damaged, but if it works in TMCC even if low output then that is not the case. 

 

Lastly,  How dim are the lights?  In command less voltage gets to the headlight bulb based on how the board manages the power output.  In conventional, the board lets full track power go to the headlight, but track voltage is normally lower then 18V in conventional.  Is this a significant difference in brightness?   G

 

New R2LC on the way.  G

G,

The voltage I used at various times, in trying to solve this problem is between 18v to 20v. The amps were between 1.6 to 1.8. I did this to see any note of brightness.  This was tried in the beginning.  99% of the time is at 18v/1.6amps.  In Command the headlamp is a dull light and the running lights you can barely see.  In conventional, headlamps/running lights and red backup lights on the tender are very bright when engine is in reverse.  At this point I guess I not concern so much as to the lights.  Whats the cost of a smoke unit?

No post office here are open on Sat.   It will be in the Mail Monday.  Your help is very much appreciated.

Gerry

I have a similar problem with my 6-38025 K4. When I start it up the 2 marker light on the top of the boiler don't come on but when I turn the smoke on and off a couple times they flicker then come on. I sometimes wonder if my Cab 1 is just getting tired since it is about 12 years old and I'll probably upgrade to a Legacy system when Lionel has it's next run.

I wouldn't  conclude you need a new smoke unit just yet, I  see George  has a new R2LC on the wayso hopefully it's the answer.    I've done about 8 TMCC upgrades (long time ago) with kits from Digital Dynamics (AC/DC delux) and not all R2LCs  are created equal.  Good luck. 

 

Can you change the engine's address? not that it's going to help.

For TMCC DO NOT raise voltage above 18VAC.  For smoke it would just be a new element.  Let me look at the parts breakdown for this again.  G

I can't imagine this having anything to do with the CAB1 or TMCC base.  I'd suspect they use a common ground and you have a poor connection, or some similar issue.