New Lionel BigBoy Communication Problem

What version Legacy are you running?
My LHS had me bring in my Legacy base and handheld to update to v1.52 which is what is needed to run the Big Boy.. so I'm told.

RD...  did loading new 1.52 software show more features on cab-2 remote?

 

I just updated my legacy from 1.3 and I assure you it ran just fine using that version of software.

 

most likely not all of its features were available on 1.3 then again what I used worked okay.

 

You get more lighting options in the lighting menu (press and hold AUX2) and can use the sensor track and LCS stuff.

I had a problem like this on another Vision Line steamer. It turned out that the run/program switch was in the wrong position although it appeared to read "run." Did you try changing the engine number? I've often forgot to re-set the r/p switch after that exercise.

 

Other than that I'd suspect a loose antenna connection, which is another cause of the no answering commands issue. But anything like a wiring connection is best dealt with by Lionel servicing. After you check all the switch positions, I'd call them on Monday and report what you have found rather than trying to take anything apart.

I have seen a few loose reciever boards in my time. Not really one of those engines I would take apart without experance .

It so happens that the receiver board in the BB is a little board on pins, so a loose board is a possibility.  I'd also check the antennas closely, they're the handrails.  You might ring them out to the frame with a meter to see if they're shorted.

 

Thanks for your suggestions.  Are the handrails used as antenna located atop the Tender or the ones running parallel to the cat walk on the Locomotive?  Would you use a meter to look for a voltage or check for continuity between the handrails and chassis?  I cleaned the IR ports between the tender and loco and gained reception for a brief period.  May have been coincidental.  Nevertheless, the problem continues to occur.  This is the first time the BigBoy has been a Big Brat!

Thanks

Grindinggear 

 

So it was running in Legacy Command mode, but then stopped doing so?

 

How frustrating.  I would try any of the non invasive suggestions here (i.e. do not take apart), and contact Lionel on Monday.  Sorry to hear about this, but I feel confident Lionel will bend over backwards to make sure this loco works.

 

Let us know the final resolution.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Someone else on here had the same problem. It would run in conventional but would not see the Legacy signal no matter what. He ended up getting an RA # from Lionel and sending it back.

The handrails on the locomotive are the antenna, the tender doesn't have any TMCC communication, just the IR link from the locomotive.

 

Had to send mine back for a dead tender... Still waiting to hear from Lionel as to what the problem is.
They were very quick with the RA and UPS call slip
to aid in the return.

One of the four Big Boys in our consist at TrainStock 7 had a dead tender, I noticed just before we were taking them off that one tender was totally unlit and not making any sounds.

 

Of course, I swapped that one out for a working one!

 

I had the same problem with my VL BB, after exchanging several emails, the customer service rep. ask me to perform a few steps with my cab 2 and after completing the test, she send me an RGA, I am sure my engine will be in tip top shape when I get it back in 3=4 weeks

 

Brent