GGG,
For testing purposes my setup is a rebuilt 1960s era ZW and a single piece of GG track. The ZW is tied straight to Fixed 2 input. The Fixed 2 output side has color coded dual banana plugs leading to aligator clips, which connect at the track, no lock on. I verified the colorcode and wires are correct: Black to black to outside rail, red to red to center rail.
In conventional mode, I applied just enough voltage to get the engine moving. Probably 6-7 volts. For command mode, I move connections over to Fixed 1 input/output and apply ~18v into Fixed 1. In either case, I should be getting what ever voltage I set the transformer to on the track.
I will try running it longer to see if it will smooth out. Maybe I will run the alligator leads right to the engine for this test.
BTW, I have a second SD45 of the same age that responds correctly in both command and conventional on this setup, so I don't think that is the issue. I noted that the sounds died immediately with this engine when I took it off the track, which means the battery in it is also low or dead. I will not run it again until I install a new battery or BCR.
Chris
LVHR
