The lst time or two, the t.t. bridge indexed all track perfectly. But…since removing the bridge and putting it back, once I start from the zero point again, all tracks will retain their postions except for one! That one track will vary each time.
So…my question is:
The red Pos light stays on when the postion I program “takes” in the controller’s memory.
But… sometimes I get 6 blinking lights instead of the single steady on light. Sometimes this will program the position and other times it won’t-stopping just a hair to the left or right instead.
I’ve re-zeroed and tried again. Some tracks give the steady accepted in memory light some will blink 6 times.
What’s the deal? The Walthers instructons have no info. regarding what the 6 blinking lights mean.
I also would like to know how to get rid of the factory pre-set positions. I’m thinking maybe that’s contributing to the inaccuracy? Do I need to program stop positions for BOTH ends of the bridge on EVERY track or just those that are 180 degrees (or nearly) across from each other? Will that give me a solid POS/memorized light instead of the mysterious 6 blinks?
I’ll start over (again) tomorrow) but would like to know about the above lst.
Thanks! Jim
Jim,
I cannot answer your question about the six blanks, but I will offer you this advice.
When you tire of the indexing, with all of its pros and cons, try disabling the indexing altogether and just operate the turntable “manually”, that is, using the control box without the indexing feature.
I found the indexing to be unreliable over time, eventually misaligning the stops. Plus, I found it annoying with the turntable stopping at each programmed stall on its way to the desired stop.
So, I disabled the indexing and just operate the control box manually. It is faster and more accurate and more prototypical. And, quite frankly, more fun.
Rich
I too can’t answer the 6 blink issue but can suggest programming Both ends of the bridge for each track. If you want to turn a loco around or to select a stall from either end of the bridge (you never know where the bridge is going to be when you want to go to a track) you will need both ends programmed. I have about 15 tracks and programmed all of them for both ends of the bridge. I takes a little more time but I find it well worth the effort.
-Bob
If your unit isn’t defective in some way, and you aligned the various indexing points properly starting with a zeroing with the optical eye, and are not too close to that eye with one of your tracks coming to the pit’s lip edge…you might just have to clear all indexing and start over. Do, though, be aware of that optical eye and don’t place a pair of rails’ centerline within about 3/4" of the eye.
To be honest, I found my 90’ model, one of the early indexed ones from 2006, to be a bit quirky. I would just lift the bridge and set it down one degree to either side to see what effect it had if it didn’t align perfectly. I was always able to restore alignment with all index points that way.
Once or twice I removed the bridge and restored it backwards…180 deg out a week later by mistake. You’d imagine that would cock-up the indexing nicely, especially if you have also indexed the bridge in the reverse position.
Thanks again, as always.
I’ll continue to “play” with it some more. I like the indexing feature so hope I can get it to be reliable but if not, by sight it will have to be. 
Disappointing (for the money) but not completely unexpected from archived threads I’ve looked through before posting.
I’ve re-indexed several times (zeroed) and those solid light positions take, but not the mysterious 6 blinks.
I did NOT index both ends of the turntable bridge yet, so will try that next. I thought I only needed to do that
when an approach track runs straight through the bridge to the stall, so, I’ll do that when I get home later today.
The closest approach track to the zero sensor is several inches away so that’s not the issue this time. Good to know
that though! The instructions are pretty poor in general. I’ve left messages with Walthers and they haven’t called back the last 3 times (over time) I’ve contacted them. They used to be great at that.
To be continued…until I give up and line by sight. That will take a lot longer with more potential for derailing(s) during an Ops session though and I might have to be the hostler full time, or my most experienced visitor.
Jim,
I will tell you this.
I had a lot of derailments when I used the automatic indexing feature. The indexing seemed to overrun the programmed settings.
Once I got the feel for the manual alignment method, I never had any further derailments.
Rich