TMCC conversion - tape on tender frame

the tender was the antenna and now it is shorting out.  that is why it runs in conventional and tmcc is random.

re look at tape and make sure tender is not touching frame.

The tender shell is probably cast and used as the antenna. The installer used the tape to insulate the body from the frame. You need apply new tape, you can use Kapton tape if desired.

Bill

Are you using metal screws or plastic screws?  Metal screws will reconnect the shell to the frame thus shorting it out.  And being you did run it without the tape, it could be possible you hurt the receiver board, and thus the issues in command.

Plastic screws.

I'll re-do the tape, but I fear Sinclair might be right.  I re-taped the tender frame to insulate it from the shell before running it, but assume that if it's acting poorly, there could've been some damage done anyway.

I should have time to dig into it on Saturday.

I use Kapton tape for insulating the tender shell, and you'll need nylon screws so you don't undo the insulation provided by the Kapton tape!

Running with the antenna shorted won't hurt anything, it just won't work.

Also be sure the antenna lead is still connected to the shell - I don't see any mention of it in your posts.

"Grounding" the receiver antenna won't do any damage as GRJ points out.

TAS use to use nylon screws, but the other method can be nylon washers.  As long as the threaded screw can't touch frame.  G

As said here - Be sure to use nylon screws and tape (Kapton preferred over electrical tape), and make sure the antenna wire is connected to the tender body. A simple test is to take a volt/ohm meter, connect one lead to the frame or trucks and touch the other to the tender body; if the meter shows no continuity then the body (antenna) is properly insulated and you're good to go.

jackson

The left-over nylon washers from removing the old 5V PS/2 regulators would do the trick.