K-Line by Lionel sd70 #2-11556

First off, and actual model number is always useful in answering these questions, otherwise we're just guessing.

If you have a TMCC controlled unit, you can use the Cruise Commander M.  The bonus is it's cheaper, easier to install, and supports the LED markers and operational LED ditch lights.  If you use the CC-M, no need to do anything with the LED lights.

The tach doesn't get used at all with any ERR product, just remove all those wires.

GRJ, thanks for your quick response:

The model number was in the subject line 2-11556.  The reason that I am replacing everything is due to its poor signal reception.  It will not do anything but sit and make noise.  No other engine that I own have poor signal reception.  If I put my hand on top reception improves.  Have checked the antenna connection and extended the antenna with no success.

Thanks,

  Marty

Top suspect is the R2LC, a lot cheaper and a whole lot easier to replace than ripping everything out and starting over!  The R2LC and the antenna are the two primary culprits when you have poor signal reception.

thanks, I will give that alternative a shot

Marty

I had one of those exact issues and found a mild scratch across the trace from pin 23 to where it eventually went...forgot where exactly. But the trace ran along the edge of the board. You can trace pin 23 along the trace and inspect it. And measure it from pin 23 to where it ends. I just soldered a string of solder across the trace and fixed it.

The board:

Thanks for the suggestions.  I tired a new RL2C and looked at the pin traces and all looked good.   Right now it looks like I will bit the bullet and get new boards.  This thing has been a pain!

Thanks

    Marty

I have the bad feeling that you'll still have signal issues after gutting it and putting in the Cruise Commander.  You're going to have the same TMCC board and antenna, so nothing signal-based is going to change!

I'd try to solve the problem that currently exists.

GRJ

If I put in a new cruise commander board (not M) that will take care of any existing problems with regard to the current electronics.  I realize that I will also need a sound commander and lose a little bit of functionality with regard to lights.  I am at a loss after trying good RL2C boards and checking all wire and antenna connections.  The ERR boards which I have installed are much more reliable than some of the old Lionel TMCC electronics.

Marty

Well, my point is that you've already swapped the R2LC, so one would presume that isn't the issue.  You've checked the antenna, so you presume that isn't the issue either.  If you still think it's the R2LC, buy a new R4LC-C08 from ERR, that's what they put in the Cruise Commander.

When you put in a new Cruise Commander, you'll have the same antenna, and the same TMCC receiver type.  One has to wonder exactly why that would help with TMCC track signal issues...

What makes me think it is some time of communication issue is that if I put my hand directly on top of the board I get some response.  I do not think it is a motor problem since they run fine.  The R2LC which I tested with is brand  new.  This is the only  TMCC engine with this problem and it occurs on every section of my layout which is fairly large. 

Are there any  other components which might be contributing to this problem?

I don't doubt that it's a TMCC signal issue of some kind.  I do doubt that simply swapping the R2LC for the one in the Cruise Commander is going to do anything positive for the signal issue.

Did you try the R2LC from that engine in another one to see if the issue follows the R2LC?

the issue did not follow the R2LC from another engine.  I have a few weeks to fool around with this thing before I purchase the Cruise Commander.  I will update you if I have any success.  Thanks so much for your patient assistance you have been a great resource for those on this board

Marty

So this engine has a plastic shell and the antenna wire/metal plate is just under the inside roof of the shell? And there is continuity with an ohmmeter between the pin 23 of the R2LC socket to the antenna wire?

How is the continuity from the ground pins #3 and #4 on the R2LC board to the frame and wheels of the engine?

Did you mean to say that you put the R2LC from the problematic engine into a good working engine and the good engine was still good? Then the R2LC board is out of the question. By the way, I always return the problem device to it's original configuration and pc boards after a test swap or other test. That way you won't introduce a second problem.

So maybe something with the connections from the antenna to pin #23 and/or the connections from pin #3,4 to the frame.

I have continuity with pin 23 and the antenna and 2,3 with wheels and frame

GRJ and Cjack

     Thanks for your persistence, I think I got it working.  Resent the R2LC and checked all of the wires.  It seemed to run fairly well without bogging down.  Too late to button it up will do that in the morning and continue testing.

Thanks guys

Marty

It's remotely possible that there could be a poor solder connection or wire connection on one of the pertainent pins if the issue seems to come and go. Just another thing to check if the situation reoccurs.