TMCC Problem

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I wanted to see if one of you might have had a similar tmcc problem and hopefully a fix for it. With three loops and 4 sidings and 5 engines in various places they all respond to each and every command perfectly. Then about 45 minutes to an hour later, the engines no longer respond and start “creeping” along the tracks by themselves. I’m kind of ruling out an interference problem as it would cause a problem from the initial start-up, which it has, but was solved by running a loop of wire to a ground. This is different. Any ideas? Thanks, jon

2

I have not had this problem, but the first thing I always look at is the batteries in the CAB-1. Then I go from there.

3

Since all engines start to creep after that time, it’s seemingly not a problem of your locomotives. I guess that something runs hot in the electronics sending out the signals to the different engines.
If you switch off power, and put it right on again, does it have the same problems or does it start normal again? If things run hot, and you switch off and directly on, the problem should be occuring after the “reset”.
If it’s something in the programming jams, the problem should be away after the reset.

4

Thanks for replying, Buckeye. I was wanting to rule out the batteries ,seeing as I changed them out in November, but I did put Radio Shack brand double AA’s in the remote and maybe they’re not a good quality battery. I quess it could’nt hurt to put a fresh set in like you recommend.

5

Daan, When I power everything down and power back up, everything starts working normal again. (A good observation on your part.) Surely the TMCC command base coud’nt be over heating, I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that?

6

Jon,
A problem that I have is that the TMCC system will turn itself on by itself [:D][:(!][:(] This is somewhat akin to your problem. We think it is a stray radio signal from a garage door opener. So when I turn everything off, I really turn everything off.

7

hirailjon,

Any chance that someone in a adjacent house is also operating TMCC? Or perhaps has an R/C car on 27mhz?

We have had experiences where TMCC equipped locomotives will start to creep at train shows, but figured it was probably caused by other TMCC operators in the halls.

I recently obtained a set of crystals to change frequency from the local hobby shop (three matched pairs) to see if this would cure the problem. I have not had the chance to try this yet.

My other alternative is to simply remove the crystal from the Command Base as we run TMCC through DCS and use its handheld most of the time. This would eliminate the problem, but I like to have the Cab-1 available in case someone wants to use it.

8

Or even a CB radio 'Breaker breaker, 10-4"

9

Thanks, guys for your inputs! I don’t know of any other train nuts in the vicinity, and it’s odd that it only occurs after about 45 minutes of perfect operation. The TAS tech thinks it may be some type of feedback from the Z-4000 transformer after it warms up. He suggested I just run the upper loop(powered by a Z-750) and see if the same problem happens. I may have to go to Power Blocks. But first lemme try zum new batteries!! Ahh, the joy of model railroading!!![:D][:D]

10

Hey, Ya’ll! Tramp brought an interesting bit of advice to my attention. If the Command Base is plugged into anything other then a grounded wall outlet it could raise cane !1 Would’nt Ya know mine is plugged into a fancy spike proof multi-strip.[:o)] Maybe that will solve it!!

11

Jon,

I bet its the power strip since it has spike protection. I had a very wierd problem with a similiar power strip. I setup a loop of trains with TMCC to my office Children’s Chrsitmas party. This year, I happened to grap a powerstrip that had spike protection instead of a plain power strip. While at the party my ZW would intermittenly cut all power (like I had pressed <1> <0>… I also noticed that my command engines would not always respond to throttle commands or bell whisle commands. I also also noticed that the tender light was flickering on occasion throughout the party. Norammly everything always runs trouble free. When I got home I tried the engines and ZW without the spike power strip and all is fine. So I’d recomend outting in a plain power strip and see if that cures it.
Good luck!

Joe

12

Generally, it’s my understanding that plugging the command base into a surge suppressor keeps TMCC from working at all. But there are many different types of surge suppressors and who knows what could be possible?

Good luck & let us know how it turns out

Tony