I’m wondering if anyone else experiences this: I am building a TMCC controlled train layout. I have a 180w Powerhouse and a TMCC direct lockon. With a simple loop it runs my lash-up in command mode just fine. I then added two O27 lionel switches (non-derailer style, which automatically switch to the right incomming diretcion.) to created a parking yard.
Now, whenever I throw the switch or run a train thru the switchworks the lockon must sense a short as the circuit breaker trips (light goes from green to red, no power, engine shuts down). After a few seconds the lockon resets and the trains resume.
I switched to using my old ZW transformer as the power supply, still using command control, and the trains ran smoothly through the switch works.
Any suggestions? I have doublecheck the 180/135 switch on the TMCC lockon, and confirmed the middle and outer rail wires are correct.
Thanks!
Does this happen for one switch or both switches? Also, does it happen when you throw the switch in one direction or both directions? One possibility is a shorted coil in one or both switches. Another possibility is that the powerhouse breaker may be too sensitive.
Daniel Lang
The locon is supposed to provide very fast protection to protect the sensitive electronics in modern loco’s. O-27’s usually pull power from the track and the internal wiring may be contributing to your problems. You can modify the O-27 switches to use auxiliary power like the O units do.
It happens with both switches, and both directions. The lockon shorts as soon as the derailer circuit is completed by a set of trucks. I can force it by simply hand rolling a boxcar into the switch.
The derailer circuit is essentially “shorting” the system and may be causing a spike that the lockon senses. As chuckn mentioned the lockon is much more sensitive than the ZW.
Try modifying the switches to aux. power and see what happens.