TMCC engine stuck in netrual using conventional

Are you SURE their test track didn't have TMCC somewhere on the table?  If so, the engine would not respond if it saw a TMCC signal.  In many cases, the TMCC signal doesn't even have to be connected to the track, just nearby.  I've actually gotten that effect a few feet from a layout on a bench.

Thanks GRJ,

The test track was at the front of the room on a small table. Only two hookup wires from the 1033 to the track via alligator clips, very basic.

The back part had the displays maybe 30 feet or more away,  but no command base nearby that I could see.

Something about minimum voltage instead of off between power ups?

I was running a engine that had TMCC in it, about 15' from the base that was plugged in but the wire had come off. Granted it didn't run right, would just go a couple feet at a time but there was no command directly to the track. Like John said , it does happen by just being in the room sometimes.

Good info guys, The test area didn't has the command base there. The owner powered up, down and sideways several times, checked and reset the 2 switches on the bottom, no workie. I don't think he knew about TMMC command etc. I ALMOST asked to see the manual and read it right there, LOL. But I didn't get a good vibe from it or him, so I passed. Sad I really liked it and even thought about getting the 1981 version that several other people had.

Friend had a similar problem - after much tries of different things, found that the transformer being used did not go to 0volts in the off position (memory not good, but I think it was a Z4000). In his case, putting an incandescent bulb across the transformer output (i.e. putting an illuminated passenger car on the track behind the engine) fixed the problem of getting the off voltage to be 0. Lionel confirmed this non 0volt off can be an issue, and the incandescent bulb is a fix, and what they themselves use.

I wonder if the guy hit the run/program switch to program by accident and locked it in neutral.

Doug

trnluvr posted:

I wonder if the guy hit the run/program switch to program by accident and locked it in neutral.

Doug

Agree another reason why this can happen.  G

GGG posted:

trnluvr posted:

I wonder if the guy hit the run/program switch to program by accident and locked it in neutral.

Doug

Agree another reason why this can happen.  G

Good suggestions though I got the impression the Mr P wasn't all that interested in it.

I wasn't aware getting the voltage to zero was an issue but a simple fix is to simply have the transformer connected to a power strip with an on/off switch.  They you can set the throttle to the desired voltage and flick the switch on the power strip.  That would ensure the power goes to zero every time.  I would have purchased this piece if the price was right, this sounded more like a puzzle to be solved than anything else.

Price was ok, but I didn't want to take a chance...