Lionel SC-2 or Legacy with problem ?

Hi Leandro,

The behavior indicates a signal problem. Your hand\body is providing both an earth ground plane and an antenna extension that cures the problem.

What has changed recently in or near the near the train area? Any new electrical devices that may interfere with the signal? Any new house wiring?

Is the SC-2 power supply connected to a receptacle that has an earth ground?

Check that the antenna on the Legacy base is secure.  Check the connection from the base to the transformer common (U) terminal.

One solution is to install a piece of wire between the track and the SC-2 connected to earth. Search ground plane on the forum to learn more. Not the neutral.

This creates an electrical barrier to prevent track signal from interfering with the SC-2 signal reception.

I'm confused here.  The TMCC signal received by the antenna is radiated by the earth ground.  You're recommending connecting earth ground to the track, thereby shorting the TMCC signal.  Are you sure you want to do that?

In order to enhance the reception of the SC-2, you'd probably want a wire perhaps around the SC-2, but not laid anywhere near the track.  You should have to common of the SC-2 connected to the track common, so that end of the signal is covered.  You want minimum coupling between the track common and the antenna signal for best reception.

Guys, thanks for the help!

I found the same problem I've caused! I wondered what the Moonman said "What changed on site."

I put the power in the Legacy base and an adapter that time caused the problem because it took the ground Legacy and the problem started!

I'm putting two photos.

All normal now!

Many thanks for the help that is always fantastic!

Leandro,

Nice to hear that you found the problem. Yes, the Legacy base needs the earth ground.

John & Marty,

I suppose I should have written the suggestion better. I was suggesting a ground plane wire, similar to that used for elevated track or issues between tracks. No physical connection. He didn't say where the SC-2 was physically located.

Sao Paulo, Brazil uses single phase 120~127vAC system with rounded connectors instead of flat blades. Other areas of Brazil use 220v. He has a nice O gauge layout. If it was working fine before and having no other facts, I suspected that something had changed or he was losing the earth ground for some reason.

All's well that ends well, problem solved and everyone happy.