Problem with TMCC - new to Lionel trains

[JohnS RR1]

Hi, I am having an issue with my TMCC on a Lionel layout. Certain times the train will just slow up and stop. Sounds continue, no interruption. The directional light does flicker a little. I ran the train without the TMCC and it runs fine, no stops at the places on the track where it was stopping before. Any ideas?? Thanks, Jon

[rtraincollector]

Sounds like your not getting a good strong signal all the way thru your layout. one idea maybe not sure on this is to connect a wire to where your tmcc hooks into your layout and use other lockons and run it to your weak area and then to the next one also

 

[JohnS RR1]

i'll try that, thanks! let you know.

[chuck]

If the engine slows down or stops and the headlight begins to blink rapidly the system is not getting a good signal. You can test this by placing your hand over the loco in the area's where it stops/slows down. If it resumes normal operation you have a ground plane issue. The TMCC signal is rf based. It would look like a giant sausage casing with the track at the center. You need to make sure that you have a good earth ground for the wall wart plug that powers the command base. That third prong is what is used to develop the "ground plane" for the radio signal to reflect off (aka keeps the signal above the track). Some power strips (especially ones with surge suppressors) can interfere with developing the ground plane. Some outlets have poor earth ground connectivity (aka box has a three prong outlet yet the the ground wire is absent or not connected properly). If you have tracks going over or under each other you can get into issues with the signal loss. There are easy fixes in these cases where you can force a secondary ground plane and keep the signal strong.

[JohnS RR1]

The bad ground was the problem!! Thanks for the help! The layout is running great! All enjoyed it on Christmas. thanks for all the help!! John