Track issues

Your MTH Zcontroller may be damaged and stuck on. This is a symptom of either a failed transistor or failed TVS diode.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...stant-18-volt-output

Again, if any of these 3 devices takes a voltage spike or short circuit failure- often results in constant stuck on output

Note there are different versions of the Zcontroller throttle box- and there are slightly different internal PCB designs- however all can fail and get "stuck on" in basically similar fashion.

Worst case, MTH parts has the complete PCB drop in module. https://www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop/search

AD5200002

I just switched to a Lionel transformer, still doing the same thing, constant power to the track

@Jeff4643 posted:

I have one O- 72 Loop a fast track. Connected to the transformer by a wired piece of  fast track.

@Jeff4643 posted:

I just switched to a Lionel transformer, still doing the same thing, constant power to the track

You either have 2 failed transformers or something ELSE (power source) is also connected to the track.

Yes, Lionel CW80s and other electronic transformers also can fail shorted on.

Can it have anything to do with the track itself?

@Jeff4643 posted:

Can it have anything to do with the track itself?

How can the track power itself?

I take that back, you probably are leaving information out of the big picture. Your previous topic in the past was how to make a passing loop and isolate it with switches. https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...stion-for-a-beginner

It's well known that Fastrack switches from the factory have had assembly problems with the wire terminals being out of order compared to the labels. So if you wired the switches for auxilary power, and didn't check this- you may be feeding aux power to 3rd rail. There is even this document on it https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...520Issue%2520Fix.pdf

This topic also covers that.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...x-connection-doesn-t

Are you connected to the fixed voltage outputs of the transformer vs the variable (throttle) ? 

@Jeff4643 posted: (I'm highlighting and emphasizing some KEY words and points here)

I have one O- 72 Loop a fast track.

Connected to the transformer by "a" wired piece of  fast track.

The transformer is a MTH Z-1000. You also tried a Lionel transformer (unknown model)

My problem is when I put the train on the track there already is power to the track even though the transformer throttle isn’t turned on.

Again, you said you tried 2 transformers- either both are failed stuck on. It's possible, hopefully not common, but abuse and shorts can make it happen. 2 being damaged- that's just really having a bad day.

The other option is some other power source is connected to the track- example original Lionchief DC adapter? Another transformer in the passing loop?

Another option is that power source is wired to the fastrack switches, and they are miswired and thus the path from aux power to feeding the track.

@Jeff4643 posted:

I just switched to a Lionel transformer, still doing the same thing....

Which posts are connected?  Photos please.

Vernon, I have very minimal knowledge of train wiring, transformers, switches etc. when I noticed this problem I removed all switches and just made a simple oval with one power source thinking I could have narrowed it down and figured it out. After that it was still doing the same I then looked for help on the forums. After reading your suggestions I thought maybe I did have 2 rare bad transformers so I tried 2 new out of the box transformers, same results. Disgusted I went to bed and woke up and went at it before work thinking it was the track not the power source. The conclusion to all this was simple, like me. I had spliced the factory wired track and must have crossed the wires. I cut the splice off and connected to the first transformer (z-1000) and all is well. Sorry for wasting your time, you didn’t have all the information and I now realize you can’t leave anything out, even the smallest simplest thing.

Thank you again!!!

Unfortunately, for you, you’re not going to be my go to guy for any wiring issues, so look out

Everybody here started somewhere at the bottom and had to learn all this stuff over time and often with lots of mistakes. I got back into the hobby in December 2017 and now in 2023, there are few things I cannot fix at the chip or component circuit board level- and thousands and thousands of dollars, hours and hours spent to get there.

Keep on trying, mistakes are a part of learning, we are still here to help you.

@Vernon Barry posted:

Keep on trying, mistakes are a part of learning, we are still here to help you.

Very, very well said.

Mike

@Jeff4643 posted:

Thank you again!!!

Unfortunately, for you, you’re not going to be my go to guy for any wiring issues, so look out

I'm pretty sure what you wrote is not what you meant.

I could really use a wiring diagram for GarGraves unloader/uncoupler that is compatible with the Lionel LCS ASC module for remote control. Lionel offered a suggestion that allowed both to function but overheated the magnet once it was shut off. Mike at GarGraves  offers a TMCC diagram but is unsure about LCS.

one positive accomplishment is the addition of two LEDs (room on the side of the uncoupler/unloader) that light when the track and or magnet is activated to ovoid future overheating.

I appreciate any assistance. Dave

I should add that the GRGraves uncoupler/unloader are hooked to an auxiliary power source in lieu of track power.

Appreciate your assistance.