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On the Pin number 5 tips and voltage "float" on a Z4000...

I'll note here that everything is running... but there is always room for improvement.

 

First the pin #5 question:

I have read and seen on several occasions that the TMCC signal on a Legacy base can be improved by "grounding" pin #5.

1.  I have the original TMCC Trainmaster base and not a Legacy.  Is this still applicable for the original bases?

2.  If it is, which one is "pin #5" on a TM base?

3.  From the posts, it is not crystal clear as to what and how I am grounding that pin.  Do I just stick an appropriate gauge wire in there and run it to what... 

the ground of the house (I have field antennas set up using the grounding lug on my home outlets)?  OR some other "ground?

 

On the Z4000 voltage "float":

As some of you may know I am constructing a larger layout (30X50 double decked).  I have this sectioned off and running it with two Z4000.  These two are grounded together and in phase (lets call the throttles 1A, 2A, and 1B , 2B).  ONLY on transformer B, when I move from one section to the next (so a train moving from throttle 1B to the 2B) on the same transformer, the voltage will leave the 18 volt setting and float.  One generally goes to 20-22 while the other goes to about 15-16.  I say "float" but not really.  Once they move to those voltages they stay there unless I change them.  I adjust these back to 18 and it holds again until the train crosses back, requiring me to again adjust the throttles to 18 volts.  

Oddly, this does not happen when a train moves from transformer A to B.  Only between 1B and 2B.  I swapped out for a different Z4000 but get the same results.  It must be track and wiring but I can't come up with how, where and why.

Thanks to all!

 

Original Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
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