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Randon behaviors have recently started to occur that prevent accurate communications from the Cab2 controller to the destination locomotive. The most frequent is a lack of speed control, but there can also be a condition when no commands from the handheld controller reaches the locomotive.

As seen in the photo, I have three independent Legacy 990 systems that control three independent districts on my layout. All three bases flicker when a command is dispatched from the handheld. Sometimes the command is accurately deployed, partially deployed, or nothing at all. One of the really confusing behaviors is the destination loco receives a signal, begins to crawl, but will not follow increasing speed commands, nor will it stop under any command. Power to the track has to be cut off.

I have cross-checked all combinations of locomotives, bases, handhelds. I have verified that all locomotives are functional. The train brake is set at "-", speed steps are set at medium 4 on the handhelds.

I have seen references to radio wave interference issues here on the forum. Given the random "on - off" behaviors I question if this might be the problem. So, the questions would be where the interference come from, and how to solve the issue.

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  • Cab2 Systems
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I just looked at your picture. You have three 990 bases. You need one 990 and two 993 recharging bases. Disconnect two of your bases, run the remaining command wire to all three districts. If they share a common neutral wire, just connect to that.

Use an external battery charger or alkalines to power the extra Cab 2 controllers. I'd use the same charging/power method for all three Cab 2 controllers to avoid confusion

Last edited by cbojanower

I'll sing along with the chorus, the three command bases are very likely the root of the problem.

Even if the three bases are driving electrically isolated track loops, there's another consideration.  The CAB2 conversation with the base is bi-directional, so if you have three command bases on one frequency, you'll run into all sorts of issues there as well.  I have to turn off my workbench Legacy command base when I'm running on the layout since it's on the same channel as the layout.

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