TMCC Reset

Well, a beer, turning the loco off for an hour and then attempting to reprogram the correct aux code solved the problem.  Time for a second beer.

If the engine acts that it is running conventionaly, make shure the antenna is not touching any metal. as it would ground out the antenna from recving the TMCC signal.

then you can reprogram useing the code from the manual that came with the engine.

Thanks, the problem has recurred which leads me to believe something like this is going on.  I set the loco up on my 4 foot long test track, attached the ground wire directly to the outside rail and had the same thing happen.  Turned eveything off, waited 15 seconds, powered up the base unit, then the transformer and everything worked fine.  I enjoy mysteries like this and haven't reached the level of frustration yet.  I figure during the trial and error I will learn something and when I learn in this manner it sticks.

Try powering up the Base first, then the transformer.

Flash, through trial and error I have found that to be the best method.  Now I have a new issue.  Upgraded loco arrives at a point on the layout where it just loses the signal.  It goes from a well mannered locomotive to a runaway.  Stopping it in this section results in refusal to start unless it is re-located to another track segment.  The mystery here is the other TMCC locos work just fine in this location.  I plan on checking the connection to the layout ground wire just to make certain the signal strength is sufficient.  

The location by the way is a section of track that is between several turnouts so the continuity may be broken.   Anyway, thanks for the tip, the adventure continues.

Some R2LC's just have a weak receiver, that may be what you're seeing.  Have you tried extending the antenna?  Normally, it's not the track signal but the "ground" signal that is the issue.

A good suggestion.  What is the best method to carry out this task?

What's the model of locomotive?  Steam or diesel?

A lionel c-420 diesel, have to go home to look at the box for the specific model #

For diesels, you can just extend the antenna that is normally in the roof of the shell.  There was some discussion here about winding the wire around several times end to end inside the shell to improve TMCC reception.  I've increased the length of the antenna in a couple with positive results, and it's an easy thing to try.

I will give that a try.  This evening I ran all of my TMCC locos on every possible route. This was easy as there are only 4 (2 Lionel, 1 kline, 1 atlas)  The three with original equipment ran flawlessly.  The upgraded loco quit in three distinct locations that are out in the open. (ie no over or under track, no visible interference sources) Tomorrow I will extend the antenna and test.  Thanks for the assistance.

It'll be interesting to see what effect that has.

 

If that doesn't do it, my next test would be to swap out the R2LC from one of the working locomotives into that one to see if you just have a weak receiver in the R2LC, that's been known to happen as well.

I'm hard pressed to know how that helps, but anything's possible.

Sleeping on it I wonder if the placement of the shell somehow forces the antenna onto something else inside that interferes with the signal.  At least now I have something to rule out.

Something to do with the antenna clearly seems to be the primary issue I would imagine.

Check and make sure your rear light wiring is not chaffed through and touching the antenna when you replace the shell.

 

Bill

The wiring is safely tucked away so that is not the case.  There is another board adjacent to the radio board that I think is the problem.  Unfortunately it is impossible to see with the body on.  My plan now is to place an insulator of some kind where the antenna and this other board overlap and test.  Appreciate the feedback.

I am going from memory but I think the reset codes vary by engine correct?  I have an Atlas engine that I think I need to reset, a GP 35.

 

John

Thanks but the reset issue has been resolved. Today I plan on ensuring the antenna is free of any contact with objects when the shell is secured in place.  I strongly suspect that the last few mm push it into contact with something.  That is an easy thing to fix and test.