@Louis Jasper Jr posted:I have an o-gauge PA 411 Switcher that is a run-away (takes off like a bat out of ****) when I turn on the 180 watt power house. I can stop the run-away by placing my hand over its top to block the radio signal. It works but does nor respond to the cab and power base 1L. I was told to make sure the rails are grounded because they serve as an antenna.
Louis,
Putting your hand over the top doesn't block the radio signal, it actually improves it. Your switcher is running uncontrolled before that because it's not receiving enough radio signal. Your hand helps by better conducting the in the air near-by signal to the locomotive.
John has provided a good hint. Check two things:
- The antenna wire from the base should connect directly to the outside rail on your layout at some point around the layout. At the same time make sure that the outside rail electrical connections between the track segments around the layout are all good (tight-fitting).
- Ensure that the power brick for the base is plugged into a properly-grounded outlet. You may need an electrician to confirm this. There's a work-around involving adding a long 3-Wire extension cord between the brick and the wall outlet, and routing the cord around the perimeter of your layout. If you try this use it only temporarily however. Fixing the outlet if it's not correct is a better way to solve the problem, and to make sure that it's wired safely at the same time.
By the way, in general it's almost always a lost cause to assume there's an electronics problem without verifying so. Buying and installing new PC boards usually doesn't solve the problem, and ends up costing big money when it's not necessary.
Mike
