So I put new batteries in my trusty old Cab 1 after a long summer of no train running, and guess what? Nothing.
Trains won't startup or run. Also the red led light on the command base flickers continuously at a fast rate, instead of only when a control is activated like usual.
All TMCC/Legacy trains run normally using the DCS controller, so I think the command base must be working properly.
Anyone else had this issue? I think I need a new Cab1?
Rod
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Stuck button.
Stuck button.
Hadn't thought of that.
I will check it out, thanks! 
Rod
So what's the fix for a stuck button? New (old) Cab 1?
Rod
They can be disassembled and cleaned with dry microfiber cloth rags. Dirt and grease(bodily - ew) get into the remote and foul the buttons, and the rubber button pad sometimes get fouled/dirty and does not make good contact or makes constant contact with the sensor/contact PCB. I would try a good cleaning before dismissing it as junk.
So I took the Cab 1 apart.
The button dimples all seem to pop back as they should.
What I did notice was a thin discolored residue of some sort between a few of the switch contact fingers on the circuit board, which I cleaned off with alcohol.
Put her all back together; and (drum roll.......) no change. Same old.
Guess I am in the market for a Cab 1.
Rod
Check the wires to the battery clips. We had a wire detach itself from the metal tab. Fixed it and it worked again.
They can be disassembled and cleaned with dry microfiber cloth rags. Dirt and grease(bodily - ew) get into the remote and foul the buttons, and the rubber button pad sometimes get fouled/dirty and does not make good contact or makes constant contact with the sensor/contact PCB. I would try a good cleaning before dismissing it as junk.
Rob; I saw your reply after I posted my last post.
But essentially I did what you suggested, and alas, no change.
I may give it another try in a day or two.
This frigging heat and humidity in Florida is a killer of all things electronic, and batteries. A 12 volt car battery for instance is only guaranteed for 2 years; and they rarely make it past 3 years.
Cheers,
Rod
Check the wires to the battery clips. We had a wire detach itself from the metal tab. Fixed it and it worked again.
Don; thanks for the idea.
In this case it won't stop working; ie it sends a steady signal.
When I pull one of the batteries out, it stops and the red LED on the command base stops flashing.
Rod
Hello Rod (HSS),
Don't forget that the throttle knob is also a control; I'm not sure what condition would cause the throttle to show continuous turning, but you might try disconnecting it from the cct. and see if the constant blinking stops.
Rod (GWN)
Hi Rod (GWN),
Now that you mention that I recall a topic where the control knob was found to cause issues, but I cant recall the specifics.
I will try your suggestion and see if that helps.
Next question is whether a replacement part is available? 
Rod
You might contact either Jon Z. at Lionel, he occasionally has parts. Another guy that used to repair them is Dale Manquen, he might have parts as well.
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