Different TMCC Response on different tracks: ideas as to why?

BANDOBOGR Forum Member

Another adventure in TMCC. Last weekend at the Timonium Show National Capital Trackers layout, I had an interesting observation on TMCC response. I brought 3 locomotives to the show: K-Line GG1 with ERR upgrade to TMCC, K-Line TCA Daylight with TMCC, but upgraded to include cruise control, and Lionel Legacy RS-11.

Using a cab 1, the Legacy locomotive worked perfectly on all three main lines.

The two K Line locomotives worked fine on the innermost loop and outer loop, but would not respond to controls when on the middle loop.

Layout was about 30X60, two MTH transformers for power, TMCC, Legacy, and DCS all installed.

Any ideas?

2/11/167:56 AM

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BobbyDOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Guessing a signal issue on the middle track for the K-Line antennas? Did the headlight give the "no TMCC" signal? Were you able to try and run them with your hand over the top?

2/11/169:08 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Sounds like a signal issue with the K-Line, you might want to check the antenna connections to the pantographs. Another thing to try is swapping the R2LC in the K-Line, some of them are weak and don't receive the signals well.

2/11/169:23 AM

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BANDOBOGR Forum Member

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to try the "hand over the engine" trick. Headlight was not blinking, though. I did wonder if was an antenna issue, but wasn't sure why it would be on the middle track when the locomotives would work fine just a few inches in either direction on the next track.

2/11/1610:12 AM

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gunrunnerjohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Radio waves have their own mind.