I recently installed a operating track on my layout to control a log dump car. I put a different train setup on the tracks tonite and noticed that my mth lighted caboose disconnected at the activation track by itself. When i went over to the track i could hear the magnet activating without the button being pressed. I then ran my lionchief plus engine over the track again slowly and noticed that when the front wheels of the engine and when the lighted caboose car go over the track it is activating. I am not sure why this happening, any suggestions would be great, thanks in advanced.
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I am powering the activation track off the 10v accessory power from my mth z4000 with my switches. The track runs at a steady 18v from one of the handles from the z4000. Not sure if this could be the issue?
The operating track should not be powered until the appropriate button on the controller is pressed.
If it is as you state, I would suspect a wiring issue between the controller and operating track. Disconnect the wiring from the controller to the track if you can and see if the problem goes away.
Larry
thank you I will try that when I get home later, Could it also be possible that the engine and the caboose are bringing the 18v from the track center rail and are conflicting with the 10v center rail of the activation track. I only have this issue with one engine and one caboose
Page 7 of the operating instructions has the answer.
https://www.lionelsupport.com/...315712054250Oper.pdf
Pete
That is exactly how I have it hooked up Pete, thanks why I am confused on why this is happening
Have you disconnected the controller and see if the problem persists or goes away?
Larry
No I will when I get off of work, should I just disconnect the blue,green, and black connectors or the wires from the accessory transformer too?
Well I disconnected the black, green, and blue terminal from the track and I am still getting activation when just the engine and caboose go over this section of track.
I'm not a fastrack fan so I have none in use, but I found this little tidbit in the UCS remote track service manual fixed voltage operation section - "To prevent a short circuit the fixed voltage and the variable track voltage circuits should have a common ground."
I feel like this might be worth a shot with the fastrack operating track. Before you try it be sure to properly phase the two power supplies.
All the grounds on my setup are tied together so I have no problem using accessory power for my remote control tracks.
Pete
I even tried another activation track thinking maybe there was internal wiring problems but that still did not fix the issue. I just don’t understand why it arcs if I run the train in one direction but if I take it of the tracks and turn it around it doesn’t the other way.