Both the Base-1 and the Powermaster have strong green lights that do not flicker. When any buttons are pressed or the red throttle knob on the CAB-1 are manipulated the red light will flicker on both the Base-1 and the Powermaster giving the indication that they are receiving signal.
I will check to make sure that the Alco's antenna is intact, but (I realize my knowledge is very limited) I am really wondering about the grounding connection in my home made wall wart. It is the only "non-standard"/"non Lionel" component