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I am having issues with all of my new Atlas O locos. The trouble appears to be a signal issue. The lights flicker randomly, horn and bell operation is a maybe, and speed control is sometimes not available. I have several Lionel TMCC and Legacy engines that have no issues, no flickering or control problems.  

I am running 4 loops of track, with a reverse loop splitting the center loop and several yard tracks off the reverse. All loops are connected with turnouts. I have isolated the center rails in several locations, as explained in a Barry's excellent DCS Companion book. Wiring is 14 gauge speaker wire in a star pattern all leads equal length. My layout is on the floor for now, to be sure everything works correctly before laying bench work and scenery. Power wires run from terminal strips and travel under tracks to each lock on. Layout is 23' X 13'. Power is from two Z-4000, one handle for each loop. Control is DCS and Legacy together. All tracks are on one level.

After spending hours researching this forum and Mike Reagan's youtube videos, I have tried many suggestions to no avail. I have installed ground plane wires between each loop, connected to outlet ground. I have check transformer phase, cleaned track, and eliminated the 6 way plug adapter. 

All of my DCS engines show "10" s on all loops and all Lionel locos operate flawlessly. Problem is just with Atlas locos. Three new F7s and an RS3, and and older C424 are sidelined until the cause is determined and fixed. As I have read on this forum, holding my hand over the locos immediately cure the symptoms. I have a few bridges one the layout, and when the locos travel through the flickering stops until they exit. 

What could cause an issue with numerous Atlas O engines but not with any Lionel's? The Atlas engines look terrific, but as I read in another post, are just book ends until fixed. Any suggestions would be appreciated fellows.

Thanks for reading, and in advance for any help.

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My issue was with the ground on the transformer after all. I was using a grounded multi plug adapter that allowed me to plug in both Z1000s and both the DCS and Legacy to the same outlet. I moved the control systems to another wall plug, removed the adapter, and plugged the control systems and transformers directly into the grounded wall outlet. That was the last of any signal issues. No booster needed for me at least. A good ground is paramount to signal quality. Good luck!

Clarkster is right, good ground is critical.   If you have an AC circuit tester you might want to check the outlet you are using to be sure it is grounded properly, especially if you live in an older home.  You can pick up a tester in any big box store or Walmart for $5-$6.  Also remove any power strip or surge protector, at least for now.

AC tester

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I am having the same issue with 2 of my Atlas O locos.  All others (Lionel and Atlas) 100% fine.  I removed the power bars to ensure a proper ground - no improvement. Track cleaning maybe helped a bit but still issues.   What is more puzzling is that if you run these two locos for say 15 minutes all the apparent signal issues dissappear - until next time - and again a 10-15 minute run appears to cure? What is frustrating is that they consistently have issues after sitting for even a day or so.  I am out of ideas as to what the issues are except fairly sure a signal strength problem of some sort??

I can't speak for the Atlas locos specifically but I was having an intermittent signal issue on my layout that was extremely frustrating, turned out it was interference from the baby monitor. I was placing it next to my legacy base and that was enough to cause issues. Now I leave the monitor on the other side of the room and there are no more signal issues.

The locos are an RS-1 and C424.  I don't have an extra reciever board so if I swap it, may just be trading problems....also I can tell you these locos not that easy to take apart so a bit hestitant to do that to another that runs fine.  In any event I may try swapping receivers at some point....a likely issue.  Still think odd the problem consistently goes away after the locos 'warm up'.....

I have an atlas O SD40 that has always ran like a dog. It would cut out and stop abruptly, lights would flicker, and response was poor

I had Ditched the TAS EOB and upgraded to an ERR cruise commander which I had professionally installed.... the problem persisted

The tech found that the solid wheels were not making good contact with the common due to inherently flawed truck design

solutions:

- get rid of traction tires

- swap location of solid wheel set and traction tire wheel set

- if you can find replacement  solid wheel set, replace the traction tire wheel set

Intersesting theory about the wheel contacts.  I suspected similar as running trains would remove some of the contact issues (such as removing dirt/minor corrossion) as did cleaning - both yielded some performance improvements on both of these locos. I also have an Atlas SD40 and it runs fine. I also have another C424 and it runs fine. It is so odd some units affected and run awful in command mode?? I am going to try giving the wheels a good cleaning and see if that helps.  Thanks for your insights guys!

Well a good abrasive wheel cleaning seems to have helped, no more flickering lights. Of course, will see in a few days if the problem re-occurs.  I do have a couple dummy units as well so the suggested wheelset swap will be my next stop if issues persist. Such a process of elimination! Overall my Atlas locos very reliable and many miles on them, this is my only recurring issue to date.

@Jstewart204 posted:

I can't speak for the Atlas locos specifically but I was having an intermittent signal issue on my layout that was extremely frustrating, turned out it was interference from the baby monitor. I was placing it next to my legacy base and that was enough to cause issues. Now I leave the monitor on the other side of the room and there are no more signal issues.

Besides college tuition, another good reason not to have any kids!

Obviously kidding - we have three and I wouldn't trade them for a thing. Well, maybe the youngest one for a Lionel Legacy Vision Line steamer.

Eventually the size and position of the antenna, (SW models) was improved. Silver plate top of cab, (see picture).   SW models never had electronic speed control, and worked well with a large horizontal motor and flywheel.

IMG_3902[1]

RS1 were the first model to have an early speed control.  Unfortunately the ramp-up was not linear.  It was exponential, that required,  a little, getting uses to.   30 Years later, a lot of the initial technology has been discontinued.   

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Last edited by Mike CT

Well happy to report loco signal problem fixed.  I needed 4 hands but turned over the units and had 1st 2 hands hold wires to contact to get wheels moving. 2nd 2 hands used fine sandpaper to clean and polish tread.  No more flickering, or bad running.  My conclusion - bad signal strength due to poor gound as suggested by Gogen81.  I think maybe the blackened wheels on some unit buid up (or have due to manufacturing) a kind of varnish or someother insulating property.  Removing this buildup by polishing the treads fixed the issue. Cheers! Ps I condidered swapping wheelsets but not that easy and glad I seemed to have found a fix!

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