TMCC equiped Loco runs in "program" mode

 It sounds like Its not receiving the command signal from the base and its going into conventional mode.

Where is the base wire connected?

Is the base plugged into an outlet strip? An outlet strip can degrade one side of the TMCC signal.

One side of the signal is transmitted through the ground lug on the TMCC base wall plug and through the wiring in the walls of the room.

If an outlet strip is the cause. Plugging the TMCC wall plug directly into the wall outlet should fix the issue.

Have you tried powering up the base before the transformer? Sometimes theres a delay with the command signal getting to the track and the loco will drop into conventional.

Dave1953 posted:

I recently purchased a like new Atlas O Alco RS-3 with TMCC from a reputable dealer who stated that it had been checked out in Command and conventional modes and everything was fine. I am running MTH DCS and bought a Lionel TMCC Command base, special interface cable, etc. and hooked everything up as per instructions and was attempting to program it into the handheld controller. Even when the switch on the bottom is in "program" it takes off as soon as power is applied to the track.  Anyone have any idea's ? Thanks in advance.

Dave

"and was attempting to program it into the handheld controller"

which controller?  nothing is in the lionel controller.

The DCS hand held controller.

The TMCC base is not plugged into the wall. Other than that I think I have everything hooked up right including the ground wire from the Command base to the grounded side of the track. It's probably is because I have the base plugged into a lousy socket that ain't even grounded. Yep, that's probably it. Thanks for the info.

Dave

You need the socket grounded. Both for safety and the fact that the ground side is the TMCC antenna.

Chris

LVHR

OK, then that's the problem. The socket I had the AC adapter for the TMCC Command base is not grounded. Thanks for all who responded to my post.

Dave

Thanks to those who responded and to Ricko who nailed the problem right off the bat. The TMCC Commander base was not plugged into a grounded socket and the loco was not receiving a signal. Just plugged into a grounded recepticle and was able to program the engine right into my DCS hand held controller and she works just fine.

Dave