Hi John,
Thanks a lot for sharing that link, it was very interesting to read. A few things I learned are:
- Neither the U-terminal nor the earth ground are left at 0 Volts DC by the Command Base. It inputs AC voltage to both the U-terminal/outer rails/wheels and to the earth ground in the wiring. The two signals add up. Is that right?
- The orientation of the remote controller to the Command Base matters. I may have been holding it in the wrong orientation, increasing my frustrations.
- He says not to power the layout with a coiled-up extension cord. Indeed, my extension cords were coiled on circular cord winder. I will try laying them out.