Testing a tmcc board?

It's no problem to test boards.  I have a test set that I use to test them.  Before I had the test set, I would just stick them into another locomotive, configure them and then test.

As John states yes.  But what symptom do you think you have?

One function not easily tested in a tester is R2LC sensitivity.  I built a test mule engine that I can operate around the layout to make sure R2LC command sensitivity is good.

I have started to find too many R2LC that don't work so well when in an engine, as far as receiving all the commands consistently.   G

George is right, the TMCC sensitivity is many times an issue.  What I do on my test setup is to remove the TMCC antenna that is connected to the MB.  A weak R2LC will usually show up that way. 

I think I like George's method better as it tests real-world performance, I'll have to consider that.

Thank you for the replies.  I'm don't necessarily think there is anything wrong with the board.  But I'm not going to use it, so I will try to pass it along to somebody else.  I'd like to know if it functions properly or not so I can say so with accuracy.

Other than that, I don't know a thing about tmcc.  I don't even know what an R2LC is.  I will be using DCC instead so I simply don't need this board.

I will try to find somebody locally that can test the board.  Thanks again for the help guys.

Jim

I'm having issues with a Weaver Steamer that is fine with the tender shell off(Tender Shell is the Antenna) but when I place the shell back on the frame I get intermittent commands.  Tried a couple of R2LC boards with no improvement.  I can get improved reception just by putting my hand on the shell.  Wondering is there's a interference issue between the boards. Shell is isolated from ground so I'm sure that's not the issue.  Engine has ERR cruise commander and RS5.0

I just received another R4LC board for another upgrade and I'm going to try it.  Wish me luck.  Would love to test the three or four R2LC boards to see how good they are.

I think it's far more likely that you have some sort of antenna issue.  If the boards function normally in other locomotives, I can't see how you'd have any interference with the Cruise Commander and the RS5 board.

I have the test board that I received after going to Lionel school.  Works great. It  will test R2LC,R4LC, Railsounds power boards speakers, and Railsounds audio boards.  I am in the process of building a motor driver board tester.

Well my ohm meter doesn't lie as far as I can tell.  The frame plus shell are totally isolated from the outside rails.  It's got me stumped.

Is it possible the antenna wire has a nick or open and you don't have good conductivity when shell is on?  I can't remember the attachment point on weaver, but maybe you don't have good connection between the shell/chassis and R2LC pin via the connection wire.  Or the pin in the lecco connector is loose or not crimped well.  So once the shell goes on the receiver can't see anything.  G

Weaver brass engines like 3rdrail have a a terminal soldered right under the coal load.  I've ohmed the wire out, I've tugged it with no breakage.

Gary, what you describe is a classic antenna issue.  The fact that replacing the R2LC doesn't change it certainly strongly suggests that there is some antenna issue. 

Yeah I know.  I have a few more things to try.  Right now the engine is in pieces getting it's Super Chuffer board.  When that's done I'll do some more trouble shooting.

Gary, Weaver insulates the trucks from the body.  Now your tender is your antenna.  Look carefully at the locomotive drawbar for an insilated bushing.  The tender pin has to go inside the bushing.  The bushings usually fall out and when you hook your tender to the engine, your antenna will see ground and that is what is setting up your issue.  Weaver sometimes has two holes in the drawbar and I have seen many people with your issue when they move the tender pin to another holw without moving the insulating bushing. 

That should get your problem solved.  Do not start another project on the engine until you fix this one. 

Partly right Marty.  The drawbar is insulated at the engine and the pin on the tender is also insulated from the tender frame.  So there's no need for bushings in the two holes. It was one of the first things I checked, wish it was my issue but it's not. 

Gary, the only Weaver I have is the I-5.  I got mine used and it was a mess when I got it.   That is how mine is configured.  Did you do a continuity test between pin 23 and ground?

Yeah, Weaver has come a long way since the I5 with their last steamer being the best designed.

As for the ohm out, no but I will when I get back home off of vacation.