Or try making just a simple oval with the True Track, no turnouts, and see if that works. If so, maybe you have a defective turnout.
–Randy
Randy,
Here’s what works and what doesn’t:
Bachmann EZ Track:
Works: DC, EZ Command, and Sprog3
Atlas True Track:
Works: DC and EZ Command
I did try using just a loop, no turnouts, no sidings with the True Track and the Sprog. Still didn’t work.
I tested the EZ Command & True Track with a Tyco Super 630 with a TCS T1 installed that I had just finished wiring for my father. That loco has dirty wheels and it worked, all the way around including the siding. So it’s not dirty track. I tested my Walthers GP9M with a TCS T1 on DC, and it ran the entire track without problems, including the siding. I’d have tried with the EZ Command, but I didn’t want to have to reprogram the address on it. So I feel strongly in saying its not my locos either.
I have Proto 2000 and Atlas Gold locos with QSI decoders, but I didn’t want to try those. Replacing a T1 is way cheaper than replacing a Revolution.
Thanks,
Tim
That really doesn;t make a lick of sense that DC and EZ Command work on the Atlas track but the SPROG does not. Is EVERYTHIGN else identical? ie, take the track feed wires off the terminals of the SPROG and connect it to the DC power pack, and everything works? have to eliminate all variables. If that works, then I REALLY have to see this that the SPROG doesn’t work connecting to the very same wires that work with a DC power pack. With a loco that runs on the SPROG on Bachmann track, and with a DC power pack on the Atlas track. It’s just mind boggling.
–Randy
Yup, that is exactly the situation. The only variable that I can’t eliminate is that the EZ Command requires a wire with a headphone-jack style connector to connect to the base station. Even then, I still used the Atlas terminal connectors, connected to the EZ Command’s lead. For the DC pack, same setup as the Sprog (using just the Atlas connectors.
Thanks,
Tim
Update:
Ive received a new Sprog 3 with a different 3amp power supply.
I assembled the True Track starter layout. Started Decoder Pro with Sprog in Programming mode. I was able to read and write to each of my T1-equipped GP9Ms, as well as run them (individually) from WiThrottle.
When I launch Panel Pro with Sprog in Operations mode, once again the only thing that functions is the front headlight.
I hooked the Sprog up to an oval of EZ Track, and everything ran fine. I was able to run both locomotives in Operations mode as well as build and break advanced consists. Im completely baffled.
What about just a few straight sections of the Atlas track, no turnouts, nothign else? Does t work then, or not?
All True Track really is is Snap-Track with a palstic base, in fact you cna remove the base and it IS SNap-Track. As such, the turnouts are all live, no gaps or additional feeders are needed. But really, only two things can happen - open circuit, or a short. If there was a shor,t the headlight wouldn;t come on. If there was an open circuit, the headlight wouldn’t come on.
Are you SURE the settings in JMRI are identical? Is this the same computer or just the same SPROG on two different computers? The Atlas track is about as simple as it gets, there ar eno funky combination rail joiners/roadbed clips, there are just ordinary standard metal joiners on each track section plus completely seperate plastic clips that are part of the roadbed.
–Randy
Randy,
I just tried an oval of the True Track, no luck.
But to prove I’m not crazy, here’s video of three TCS-equipped locos running on the EZ-Track:
SO, if you take exactly that, and simple change the connection at the SPROG to the Atlas track, no other changes whatsoever, it just doesn’t work?
There has GOT to be something else changing. Simple loops of track don’t do anything to DCC that would make the headlight work but nothign else. Is the headligh controlable, or is it just on? Get some clip leads, bypass the Atlas terminal track and run clip leads fromt eh SPROG to the rails.
–Randy
The only differences are the track, and the gauge of wire that the leads use. The EZ Track leads are heavier gauge.
The headlight is semi-controllable. Meaning that it responds to the light function but regardless of direction, it’s only the front headlight.
I don’t have clip leads handy, but I can rig something up. I have tried other terminal rail joiners too with no such luck.
One possibility that has not been suggested is, a short in the True Track terminal section where you connect the wires from the power input. Any way you can remove and/or replace this track section and put in a plain or replacement terminal track? Or remove it and use jumper wires to the rest of the loop and see what happens?
That’s why I said about using clip leads. And, it seems strange that if there is a short that the headlight would even light up.
At this point though, it could be anything, because this simply does not make the least bit of sense as described.
–Randy
I truly do appreciate everyone’s suggestions in this problem of mine.
But I think I resolved it. I posted my woes in the Sprog BBS, and received an answer of “Did you try power cycling it?”
D’oh! Helpdesk 101!
I power cycled the Sprog itself after programming a loco. You can see the fruits of my labor here: