trainmaster base question

I suspect it might either have temperature sensitive components or it may have drifted out of tune.  The original TMCC command base has a coil in a can that determines the 455khz center frequency, you can "tune" it to improve signal reception if it's out of tune.

The classic way is to place a TMCC engine on a test track with the TMCC base connected (case off).  Honk the horn, turn the coil 1/8 turn and do it again.  Do that until the command isn't recognized.  Turn the screw the other way, keeping track of the position and number of turns, when the horn isn't recognized going the other direction, set the coil in the middle of that range.

John,

You beat me to the answer. When tuning and the horn is at its loudest, that is where your base should be at, Tuned.

Actually, the more precise way to tune it is as I described.  You're looking to center the frequency, so if you go end to end until it stops and put it in the middle, you should be about as good as it's going to get.

Troy, Thank you for asking the question!  John and Ted, thank you for your answers.  I have two TMCC command bases and one Cab controller.  One of the bases works great.  It should since I bought the Cab and base as a repaired unit from none other than GunrunnerJohn.  The other I got from who knows who now.  When I get a chance, I'll give the tuning a try.  Reminds me of my early working days when a telecommunications technician did that sort of thing instead of when I retired and if you can't program the particular equipment with your laptop, throw it out!  

Thank you gentlemen.  This has been placed on the maintenance schedule for this weekend on the ES&I.  While against union rules, there will be no overtime $.

Well, since it was raining AGAIN... I got to this today.  I can say that there is not much of a move needed to make things go "out of range" in either direction.  There was maybe only a quarter turn in either direction.  Finding the center I did a test run around the layout with the tuned unit.  Keeping in mind that this is a 30X50 double deck layout, I could only hold my breath.  The train went around the entire layout at medium speed (a 20 minute trip) without incident.  WELL DONE BOYS!  I will try the same with the 2nd quirky unit this weekend.

Gun... do you have a website for your stuff?  You have offered so many tips I need to look into giving you some business.

Thanks to all!

When the operation gets flaky, the tuning is pretty near the top of my list, thank the late Dale M. for that, he was the one that initially figured this all out.

Interesting you should mention a website, I'm working on that.  However, I do have email.

Guys - just so I'm clear - is the 'original Command Base' (of which we are speaking) item #6-12911?

Yes, I haven't taken the new one apart, but I'm pretty sure they do the frequency setting in a different manner that is not prone to drift.

Yes, I believe so.  

Yes, mine is the 6-12911

gunrunnerjohn - Looks like I'm going to have to try retuning a TMCC1 Command Base (6-12911) so I was hoping you could do me a favor. I've read all the comments above but since I've never done one and am not very mechanically or electronically inclined, I'm wondering if you could send me a pic of the Base (with the case off) with the coil that I'm supposed to be turning circled as I've seen you do occasionally to assist others. I'd really appreciate it.  After all - A picture's worth a thousand words!

In the hope it will be of assistance to you I've also read another Post concerning this issue (TMCC Command Base not working - 20/4/19) in which you provided a link to Dale Manquen's site.  I called up Dale's site which, among other things, included a pic of a Base with the case off and I think I know which screw to turn, but I just want to make sure.  Consequently perhaps you could just circle the part in question on that pic and then put it on this Post. 

Many Thanks GRJ.