My new TMCC won't do anything - please help [solved]

[SchemerBob]

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm sure I'll get something working now. I'll keep everyone posted as it progresses.

[Anonymous]

Laz, I do a TR then 1 and then hit BOOST on my layout to start everything.  I do not have power to the track unless I do this. 

There should be no reason for this step if there is no TPC or PM-1, & you are using only a CW-80 for power.  Nothing controlling track power with a CW-80 has any RF circuitry to respond to a CAB-1.

Start over in conventional with the Command Base unplugged entirely to verify track power, then follow my instructions above.

Rob 

I could be COMPLETELY wrong here, but I was under the impression that a CW-80 could NOT be used as a TMCC powersource.

Brent, Lionel sells TMCC sets with the CW-80.  

James and Rob, I'm sorry for the confusion, I was just responding to Laz's method of bring up power by turning the red knob.

If the caboose doesn't light, then this is not a TMCC problem, but a power problem and with all of the past history of the CW-80 it would not be unthinkable.

Buckeye, I know that... I received on for X-Mas last year (with a newer version CW-80).  I already had the Modern ZW, so I never had a need to power track from the CW-80.

Thanks for keeping me straight... ol' timer!

[Anonymous]

Thanks Chuck and Rob!

My next thought had to do with the differences between old and new CW releases (that the variable output posts are switched with the common output posts).

I would recommend changing the posts that the terminal track wires are connected to.

If that doesn't work... try the CW-80 connected directly to the terminal track...

If that doesn't work, check the connections under the terminal track... I've had them come off the connection posts... that is always fun to track down!

[Buckeye Riveter]

Laz, I do a TR then 1 and then hit BOOST on my layout to start everything.  I do not have power to the track unless I do this. 

There should be no reason for this step if there is no TPC or PM-1, & you are using only a CW-80 for power.  Nothing controlling track power with a CW-80 has any RF circuitry to respond to a CAB-1.

Start over in conventional with the Command Base unplugged entirely to verify track power, then follow my instructions above.

Rob 

I could be COMPLETELY wrong here, but I was under the impression that a CW-80 could NOT be used as a TMCC powersource.

Brent, Lionel sells TMCC sets with the CW-80.  

James and Rob, I'm sorry for the confusion, I was just responding to Laz's method of bring up power by turning the red knob.

If the caboose doesn't light, then this is not a TMCC problem, but a power problem and with all of the past history of the CW-80 it would not be unthinkable.

[ADCX Rob]

Laz, I do a TR then 1 and then hit BOOST on my layout to start everything.  I do not have power to the track unless I do this. 

There should be no reason for this step if there is no TPC or PM-1, & you are using only a CW-80 for power.  Nothing controlling track power with a CW-80 has any RF circuitry to respond to a CAB-1.

Start over in conventional with the Command Base unplugged entirely to verify track power, then follow my instructions above.

Rob 

I could be COMPLETELY wrong here, but I was under the impression that a CW-80 could NOT be used as a TMCC powersource.

Yup, completely wrong.

TMCC does not care what brand, color, race, creed, or otherwise the 18 VAC is that it gets.  Just use full power on the CW-80(the easiest way to do this is to program the accessory output to full and use that tap for TMCC power).  In this fashion, the CW will function as a 5 amp "brick", or PowerHouse, complete with circuit protection.

Rob 

[chuck]

TMCC completely seperates POWER from CONTROL.  Any source of AC power with enough current (4 amps or greater) and an output  voltage range of 8-18 volts can be used (8 volts won't get you very far).  You need 60 cycle hz also, but that shouln't be a problem in North America.

[ADCX Rob]

Reitterating what's been said in a step by step manner.

1. Connect transformer to track.  Common "U" to outside rail, feed to center rail.

2. Connect Base unit "U" to transformer common "U" either at the transformer or at the track.

Roger, the problem with this instruction is that most of the CW-80 transformers(except for the most recent) do not have the black "U" posts common - instead the red "A" & "B" posts are common.

When dealing with the CW-80, "common" sense goes out the window.  Sorry for the pun.

Rob 

[Anonymous]

Laz, I do a TR then 1 and then hit BOOST on my layout to start everything.  I do not have power to the track unless I do this. 

There should be no reason for this step if there is no TPC or PM-1, & you are using only a CW-80 for power.  Nothing controlling track power with a CW-80 has any RF circuitry to respond to a CAB-1.

Start over in conventional with the Command Base unplugged entirely to verify track power, then follow my instructions above.

Rob 

I could be COMPLETELY wrong here, but I was under the impression that a CW-80 could NOT be used as a TMCC powersource.

[Roger Bielen]

Reitterating what's been said in a step by step manner.

1. Connect transformer to track.  Common "U" to outside rail, feed to center rail.

2. Connect Base unit "U" to transformer common "U" either at the transformer or at the track.

3. Plugging both transformer and base into a grounded 3 prong outlet(s)

4. Turn transformer to full power, should have power to track.  If not there is a transformer/wiring problem

5. Since engines come from the factory set at ENG1, on the CAB-1 punch in ENG-1, AUX-1, START (button 3) sounds should come on.

6. As previously said, when issuing commands on the CAB-1 the red light on the base should blink to indicate it's getting the signal.

Good luck.

[ADCX Rob]

Laz, I do a TR then 1 and then hit BOOST on my layout to start everything.  I do not have power to the track unless I do this. 

There should be no reason for this step if there is no TPC or PM-1, & you are using only a CW-80 for power.  Nothing controlling track power with a CW-80 has any RF circuitry to respond to a CAB-1.

Start over in conventional with the Command Base unplugged entirely to verify track power, then follow my instructions above.

Rob 

[sir james I]

wow wait a second, you do not push tr 1 it's eng.1.and the engine headlites should be on before you reach for the buttons.if not your track is not powered. I'll let the experts figure it out, but this much I know.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Try pressing tr then 1 and rotate the red knob to get power to the track.  I have to do this on my ZW.

laz57

Laz, I do a TR then 1 and then hit BOOST on my layout to start everything.  I do not have power to the track unless I do this. 

[chuck]

Try pressing tr then 1 and rotate the red knob to get power to the track.  I have to do this on my ZW.

laz57

The new ZW has PowerMasters built in.  This is why you need the TR command to "wake it up". 

I think there is a basic wiring problem here in that the track isn't getting any power.  Follow Rob's suggestions re conventional mode and then add in the command base.

[laz 57]

Try pressing tr then 1 and rotate the red knob to get power to the track.  I have to do this on my ZW.

laz57

[ADCX Rob]

This means th Command Base and the CAB-1 are talking to each other.  The loco on the track comes up with the headlight on?  Is it on steady or blinking?  You did hit ENG 1 on the CAB-1 before trying to advance the throttle?

What I did was power up the throttle on the CW-80 to full power, then type in the engine code. Nothing happens, no headlight or anything. I really have no idea what is wrong.

Is it possible that although you connected the Command Base to the "U" post on the CW-80, the "A" is actually connected to the outside rails?   Or the "other" "U"? (Most of the CW-80 transformers except the most recent issues have the "A" & "B" common, not the 2 "U" posts).  The Command Base binding post has to be connected to the outside rails.

First, set up the train to run in conventional as you have been running(with the Command Base powered down).  When all the electrical checks out, power down everything.

Connect the Command Base "U" post to the SAME WIRE & post as the outside rails(whatever post that is - check the bottom of the Fastrack if you have to), then power up the Command Base first(very important), and then the track power to full. 

Then if there are issues, go through the  reset procedure.

Rob 

[SchemerBob]

BOB,

  Let me see if you are doing things right, bear with me.

1. Turn on power to transformer and TMCC.

2. Move handle on transformer to max level 18 volts.

3.  On Cab 1 press ENG button then engine number 1, then hit horn button, you should here the horn or whistle.

4.  To move engine rotate red knob to the right.  Should go.

5.  If doesn't work check under engine that switch is in run position and that the sounds are turned on.

Hope this helps?

laz57

I've tried to move the engine after turning everything on, but nothing works - the engine just sits there, no sounds come on or anything.

chuck, I'm using a FasTrack terminal section, and I put the black spade connector from the transformer ("U") on the command base. I assume this cord goes to the outside rail, but maybe not. Nothing comes on at all, not even the lights from the caboose on the end of the train.

[chuck]

Are you sure you are getting power to the track?  The wire from the command base can be connected to the lockon instead of the terminal on the transformer.  Make sure it goes to the outer rail.

[laz 57]

BOB,

  Let me see if you are doing things right, bear with me.

1. Turn on power to transformer and TMCC.

2. Move handle on transformer to max level 18 volts.

3.  On Cab 1 press ENG button then engine number 1, then hit horn button, you should here the horn or whistle.

4.  To move engine rotate red knob to the right.  Should go.

5.  If doesn't work check under engine that switch is in run position and that the sounds are turned on.

Hope this helps?

laz57

[SchemerBob]

This means th Command Base and the CAB-1 are talking to each other.  The loco on the track comes up with the headlight on?  Is it on steady or blinking?  You did hit ENG 1 on the CAB-1 before trying to advance the throttle?

What I did was power up the throttle on the CW-80 to full power, then type in the engine code. Nothing happens, no headlight or anything. I really have no idea what is wrong.

[chuck]

This means th Command Base and the CAB-1 are talking to each other.  The loco on the track comes up with the headlight on?  Is it on steady or blinking?  You did hit ENG 1 on the CAB-1 before trying to advance the throttle?

[SchemerBob]

The Command Base wall wart transformer should have a three prong plug on it.  This needs to be attached to a grounded three prong outlet.  The RF signal for TMCC requires a "ground plane" reference to propogate the carrier signal properly.  Most problems with TMCC are related to this issue.  You can not get a good signal without a proper earth ground on that third prong.

 

Also, watch the red light on the command base.  If it doesn't blink when you press buttons or trun the knob on the CAB-1, something is really wrong.  The CAB-1 keys should alos be generating a gentle peep sound when pressed. 

The red light on the base comes on when I press most of the buttons and turn the knob - the only ones that I press that do not make the base light are the gray buttons on the top of the remote, and the number buttons. They all beep, though.

[chuck]

The Command Base wall wart transformer should have a three prong plug on it.  This needs to be attached to a grounded three prong outlet.  The RF signal for TMCC requires a "ground plane" reference to propogate the carrier signal properly.  Most problems with TMCC are related to this issue.  You can not get a good signal without a proper earth ground on that third prong.

 

Also, watch the red light on the command base.  If it doesn't blink when you press buttons or trun the knob on the CAB-1, something is really wrong.  The CAB-1 keys should alos be generating a gentle peep sound when pressed. 

[SchemerBob]

Yesterday I finally purchased TrainMaster Command Control. I bought the package with the CAB-1 and the command base, and I also bought the TPC 400, to control all of my older engines.

I haven't hooked up the TPC 400 yet because I can't seem to get anything to run at all - not even my TMCC-equipped locomotive. I have a CW-80 transformer that came with the set with my TMCC locomotive. I hooked up the command base, connected the "U" cord to it, plugged it in, put my batteries in the remote, put my TMCC locomotive on the track, powered the CW-80 up to full power, typed in the locomotive's ENG number (1, I assume, since I've never accessed it before) - and nothing happened. Nothing seemed to come on. I went to the back of the manual that came with my set and went through a procedure to re-set my locomotive, but that didn't work either. I have no idea what is wrong. Can anybody help? Thanks.