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Trying to get a "new" Atlas Trainman RSD4/5 with TMCC working via TMCC. I have the Trainmaster Command Base (6-12911) powered (green LED is on). Trainmaster Command Base is hooked to the TIU via the MTH cable (the newer one, not that it makes any difference), both ends are connected to the correct devices (TIU end to the TIU, etc.). Wire from the "U" terminal on the Trainmaster Command Base has been hooked to the black output terminal on Fixed Output 1 (and also directly to the terminal on the outside track after that didn't work).

Train is on the track, with the program/run switch in the "program" position. When I apply power, train attempts to barrel down the track as in conventional mode with the throttle wide open. It's obviously NOT seeing a TMCC command signal. It's a test track about 6' long, so there shouldn't be an issue with the signal getting there. Tried the same thing with a Lionel TMCC Camelback, same results.

Am I missing something here? Is there some way to test the command signal output of the Trainmaster Command Base (with equipment the average hobbyist would have, ie., digital multimeter. I'm fresh out of o-scopes)? It (the Trainmaster Command Base) supposedly worked when I got it (the other stuff it came with did), but I've never verified that it's working before. Everything else works fine in either conventional, or PS2 stuff in DCS. Atlas engine works fine conventionally. 

Last edited by Magicland
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This sounds like a TMCC problem, not a DCS problem. Try taking the DCS out of the system. Set up a short section of track separate from the layout. Just a transformer and your TMCC base connected to the track. See what happens. If you have a different, known good TMCC engine, try that too. The engine should not move when in Program mode, but should respond when in Run mode. Try the mode switch in the other position. 

 

Chris

LVHR

@lehighline posted:

This sounds like a TMCC problem, not a DCS problem. Try taking the DCS out of the system. Set up a short section of track separate from the layout. Just a transformer and your TMCC base connected to the track. See what happens. If you have a different, known good TMCC engine, try that too. The engine should not move when in Program mode, but should respond when in Run mode. Try the mode switch in the other position. 

 Chris

LVHR

Thanks. I never said it was a DCS problem. I'm just operating via the TIU and DCS remote, which as I said, work fine. This IS just a short section of track. I've now tried 3 TMCC engines (none of which I've ever run in TMCC, but the odds of all 3 not working is getting slimmer) with the same results. I originally suggested that I don't seem to be getting a TMCC signal out of the Command Base. At this point the TIU is simply providing power to the track (and, of course, providing an interface for the DCS remote, which is irrelevant as I'm not even getting to the point where anything is being controlled). 

Is there any way to test the command base to see if it's outputting a signal? Or should I shuttle this question over to the TMCC forum in hopes that the folks there might have an answer?

I would first do the test that was suggested.  Power everything down.  Remove the TIU.  Connect your transformer directly to the track/lock-on.  Connect the one wire from TMCC base to the outer rail.  Power on the command base first, then the transformer.  If the engine still takes off, you likely have a bad TMCC base. 

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