Programming switches

First off, did you press the SW button (left one of the top row of 5 buttons), then the ID, and then set?  Is this one switch or a number of them? 

Try holding your hand right over the switch about an inch away while you set the switch ID, maybe you're having a TMCC signal issue.

Thanks John for answering my post.

Yes I did press SW, pg button. Enter I'd #, set. Lantern continues to blink like it is not getting the input from the Cab 2. I will try putting the Cab2 directly over the switch. Do I need to clear out the switch ID # the I have previously entered before trying to program this switch. 

Would it be possible for me to call you on the phone if I can't get to work?

Thanks again!

Don't put the CAB2 over the switch, your bare hand.  One of the things that afflicts some of these switches is poor ground signal, holding your hand about an inch above the switch increases the signal to the antenna and may point the way to what the issue is.

Ok John you are "The Man"! I put my hand over the switch and it worked. I can't believe it. It's Great!

The problem now is that the switch will only work if I put my hand over it. I only have two switches, both 072 remote/command control Lionel Fastrack. After programming the first switch, the one you have to hold your hand over to get it to work, I programmed the second switch. The second switch is about 8' from the Legacy 990 base. It just works perfectly, even without your hand over it. The first switch that will only work with your hand over it is only about 2' from the base.

Is there anything I can do to make the first switch work without putting my hand over it?

A couple of things.  The easiest is probably to take the back plate off and move the antenna wire, that frequently helps.  Yes, I know it has a million screws, they didn't want it to fall off!   There is a wire that goes nowhere, gray I believe, I just move them to a different orientation, that frequently helps.  I'd show you a picture, but I just don't feel like taking a switch apart.

Failing that, you can enhance the earth ground by laying a wire that's connected to the earth ground (3rd prong of a grounded outlet) and lay it near the switch.  It doesn't connect to anything on the layout, it's just an antenna.

Would moving the base station around (changing the position of the antenna on the base relative to the switch) make any difference?

Nope, the antenna on the base station is for the remotes, it has nothing to do with the track signal.  The signal that's weak is earth ground hence my previous recommendations.

Ok Gunrunnerjohn you are my hero!!!! Took the back off the switch, moved the antenna wire, works perfectly now. Thanks again! Only lost one screw from back of switch, pretty good for me.

You'll never miss the screw, glad the operation was a success.