SER2 not talking to Legacy Command Base

Sounds like you're already tested the SER2 and found it defective!  I have the same configuration, and I don't have any issues with the TIU to command base communication.

Exactly what I am thinking & I plan to contact Lionel this week.

I remember being part of a troubleshooting conversation about a similar scenario with a SER2 and base recently in one of the forums. I then did some testing because I had on hand an older TMCC base, also a Base-1L, and of course my Legacy base.

What was clear to me plugging and unplugging the 9 pin serial cable from each base to the SER2- there is a handshake that attempts to happen from the SER2. It sends basically a challenge to the base firmware and expects a response. This is how it can tell if it is connected to a valid base- but also a side consequence of testing what firmware is on the Legacy base. If your base is not at the latest firmware, it won't have the firmware code to negotiate this handshake with the SER2 module, but yet would work as a serial port for other operations.

Just saying, might be worth checking the update on that base firmware.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Just saying, might be worth checking the update on that base firmware.

Vernon, did you read this?

@ScottM posted:

Legacy Command Base v1.60.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Vernon, did you read this?

Yes I did, and just because I read that and it's STILL not working, it's one thing a person could check and make sure.

I'm trying to figure out why suggesting something like that is a bad thing? He's literally sitting there his weekend because he cannot use it and Lionel support is not available until next week. So, would attempting one simple verification or trying to update the base be one thing he could do while waiting on Lionel support?

Another possible conflict would be something using the screw terminal connection like older TMCC modules on the SER2 ? Yes, the original post does not list any such usage or connection but again the SER2 manual discusses this can conflict with the 9 pin serial port.

https://www.lionelsupport.com/...50SER2UsersGuide.pdf

page 12

You may use either the three screw terminal connector or the DB9 connector
on one SER2. You may use both the DB9 and the comm/output screw terminals
simultaneously. However, if your configuration requires using the SER2's INPUT
screw terminal as well as the output, you cannot simultaneously use the DB9
connector. In this case, add an additional SER2 module to your layout.

Again, just trying to flush out other scenarios besides the SER2 being "bad".

I appreciate the follow-up gentlemen; the base was updated by Lionel a few years ago. The version number I listed is what the base displays during power up.

There are no other connections to the SER2 other than the MTH cable and the DB9 kit. In consideration of the cost of shipping and repair, I found a new SER2 for $36, so that is my next step.

The biggest time sink for me has been believing the SER2 was functioning properly because of the flickering green LED when sending commands. I will post an update once I know more.

Well, that light just tells you what the input is doing.  Not much to the SER2 box, a look inside might turn up an unsoldered pin on a connector or something similar, I had that on a couple of the IRV2 boxes.  Easy fix and I moved on.

I took a look at the board and did not see any bad solder joints, not to say none exist.

Hopefully the new one you're getting will work better.