I can use my CAB1 to make the couplers UNCOUPLE on my engines, but will it COUPLE them? I can’t seem to do anything but ram the cars together.
I think that’s your only option…
Nope, no way to close them other than by physically closing them.
The couplers have a plunger in the middle that is normally held against a groove in the back of the knuckle. When a voltage is applied to the coil wrapped around the center, the plunger is pulled back, and a second spring on the knuckle forces the knuckle open. When the voltage is removed, the plunger springs back into its normal position, tight against the knuckle, and the only way to return it to its closed position is to push it in.
It’s the old fashioned post war coil coupler, just with a different power source. TMCC board instead of an operating track section.
Thanks guys. That really BITES! How many of you [that use TMCC] would to have couplers that CLOSE? Maybe I’m on Gilligan’s Island with this one?
You got me on this one, Jack…what do you want to happen? Just GENTLY touch the couplers together and close the TMCC coupler from the handheld to couple them? What brand of coupler(s) are you trying to couple to the TMCC electrocoupler? Maybe the problem lies with the conventional coupler…
ALL my TMCC and DCS couplers require very little speed to couple them…
I have problems getting couplers of the same brand to close without slamming them together, be it Lionel - Lionel; K-Line - K-Line; Lionel - K-Line. The coupler situation is one of the main areas where the hobby need standards.
My other problem is uncoupling, some of the buttons on cars are too low and bottom out on the magnets before the pin releases the knuckle. [soapbox]
I with you this one Roger,
Heck we’re luck to get couplers with the same height!