I have a Lionel O scale UCS track and there are two buttons on the remote. One is unload/dump, the other is uncouple. Only one button works and it uncouples and unloads. I have two UCS track, one is new the other is used and they both function the same. (one button does both tasks, the other button doesnt do anything) This leads me to believe I wired my layout incorrectly. I’m using an inexpensive lionel 40 watt or so transformer. Do I need to use a more expensive transformer for the dump feature to work? Like I said, the track does dump, but only when I pu***he uncouple button. The dump button doesnt uncouple or dump. does a/c or d/c current make a difference?
It seems likely that something is wired wrong. Your transformer should be okay. AC or DC should work. Here is a link to Olsen’s documentation:
The uncouple button activates both the center magnet and the left control rail. So, it will uncouple and unload just like yours does. The unload button only sends power to the right control rail and will only work with operating cars that use a slider shoe for activation. Operating cars that use a metal plunger will only work with the uncouple button.
In the Unload mode, one of the operating rails is connected to power and the other one is connected to ground, sending power in on one slider shoe and out the other. If the truck at the power end also has a coil coupler, it will open as the car unloads. Magnetic plate couplers don’t have this problem.
In the Unload mode, one of the operating rails is connected to power and the other one is connected to ground, sending power in on one slider shoe and out the other. If the truck at the power end also has a coil coupler, it will open as the car unloads. Magnetic plate couplers don’t have this problem.