If it is this one the answer is on page 3

https://mthtrains.com/sites/de...ction/30as11893i.pdf

You may want to take a look at this recent OGR conversation.

Note the final suggestion about swapping the AC power wires going to just the ITAD (if you are directly wiring the platform to AC power).

If this doesn't help and you are willing to try some DIY troubleshooting, tell us if you have the Realtrax or the Scaletrax ITAD.  Apparently the platform itself "works" since it functions with the MTH-supplied controller switchbox; that's a key first step!

Got it NelsonW. Thanks. The ITAD's connections are different, but it is now clear. I usually don't have trouble following a manual but will test it out on Monday when I'm back in the train room. 

Thanks Stan2004. The platform is not now connected to the transformer. It was connected when using the switch, however the switch stuck out on the layout's fascia.  I use Fastrack.

I gave up yesterday on the Scaletrax ITAD and wired the MTH Operating Passenger Station directly to the control box supplied by MTH, and it works fine. (See the link that STAN2004 refers to above). If you're able to make this work, I'll be first in line to change mine up.

Let us know! Thanks! 

Ron

Well, it sure would be nice to once-and-for-all get this matter settled.   The question of hooking up the Scaletrax ITAD to the Operating Platform keeps coming up with no clear documented resolution!

Part of the problem may be what appears to be the wording in the loose paper instruction sheet vs. the PDF instruction manual:

As shown, the paper instruction sheet suggests Terminal D can be attached to the ITAD Common.  My guess is this is incorrect and should be crossed off; it does not appear in the above linked PDF currently on the MTH website.  Additionally, both documents say Terminal D goes to Center Rail but if the operating voltage is 12-16V AC, it really should go to the Accessory AC from the train transformer.  Obviously these instruction were written before command control became popular with 18V AC on the center rail!

Anyway, I'd like to once-and-for-all post a diagram that works.  I don't have either device (Scaletrax ITAD or Operating Platform) so I'll need assistance from someone who does.

Question. Does the ITAD have markings on the screw-terminals?  Above I show NO NC COM going left to right.  I then show AUX for the 2 terminals where you attach power.  Are these terminals labeled with AUX+ on the left and AUX- on the right, something else, or not labeled at all?   I looked high-and-low on the web for a photo of the Scaletrax ITAD screw terminals and couldn't find one that shows the markings (if any).  So another contribution would be if someone could post a close-up photo.

As I see it, there's a 50-50 chance of correctly hooking up the AC Accessory voltage to the two ITAD power terminals.  Once we nail that down, I will update the diagram for the record.

Oh, and as an aside, the MTH instruction sheet for the Scaletrax ITAD even uses the Operating Passenger platform as an example...but the "instructions" are essentially useless for the matter at hand 

 Technical footnotes:

1) It appears the mechanism operates via a bi-directional solenoid which instantly moves the passengers or freight out of view.  The internal parts diagram shows 2 lever switches.  It is my belief that these act as sensor switches to cut-off power to the solenoid when the mechanism reach the target position.  This means power can be applied to the N.O. or N.C. platform terminals continuously.  It also suggest you only need to apply power to N.O. or N.C. briefly (e.g., 1 second).  So the behavior is like the traditional solenoid-based turnout-switch where the solenoid power is automatically disconnected even if you hold down the lever controller.

2) I have not seen any documentation of whether the solenoid is activated by applying common or "hot" voltage to the B or C terminals.  For the record, it would be useful to know.  For example, this could help to provide instructions on how to hook up one of these operating platforms to a more economical insulated-rail occupancy section/relay rather than an Infrared occupancy sensor like the MTH ITAD or Lionel 153IR.

STAN2004, thanks for jumping in again. The answer to your question regarding the screw sequence on the ITAD from left to right is: NO  NC  COM  AUX-  AUX+ . 

I thought that maybe the DELAY and RANGE settings on the ITAD I used might not be set correctly, so I played around with those settings. Not sure that I'm explaining this in an understandable way, but interestingly, I found that there is no starting or stopping point on the screw mechanism that you use to adjust those settings. It simply turns without a stop just like the CAB-1 does, so you never really know whether you're at max or min DELAY and RANGE settings.

In any event, long-distance problem diagnosis is hard, so thanks for your post.

Ron

OK Ron, thanks for clarification on screw-terminal markings on the ITAD.  So my proposed once-and-for-all diagram is:

As suggested in the linked discussed, if this does not work, then swap the 2 wires going into AUX- and AUX+.  Again, many words have been written but trying to show that a picture is worth a 1000 words...

I'll update the diagram yet again when we get confirmation of a working system!

lashup50 posted:

... I found that there is no starting or stopping point on the screw mechanism that you use to adjust those settings. 

Now that's suspicious.  I don't have a Scaletrax ITAD but I do have a Realtrax ITAD.  Hard to believe the design would be much different between the two.  Both screw mechanisms (DELAY and RANGE) have the typical 3/4-turn range with mechanical stops and each end that seem fairly robust.

Hopefully MRMUGSS will report in tomorrow with a success-story, but if for whatever reason you choose to dive back in, my suggested troubleshooting path would be:

1) Wire as shown.  Lights to platform should be on.

2) Confirm you hear ITAD relay click "on" when you wave your hand (or whatever) in front of the ITAD and then click "off" after you remove your hand and wait whatever number of seconds for the DELAY to time out.

3) If no action in the platform (you should hear the internal solenoid "snap") when the ITAD relay clicks "on" and also when it clicks "off", swap the wires going to AUX- and AUX+.

STAN2004:  You're ....the....MAN!

First, I'm sorry that I have not gotten back to you sooner. I know you put some time into this and I apologize for not jumping on it immediately.

Second, today I wired it up as per your diagram and I can deliriously report that I now have an MTH Operating Passenger Platform that is activated by a Scaletrax ITAD. The only tweak I had to make - and you hinted at this - was to swap the AUX1 and AUX2 going to the ITAD.

You made my day. My week. My month. I can't tell you how many different wiring combos I played around with.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to help me solve this.

Ron

lashup50 posted:

 

... I can deliriously report that I now have an MTH Operating Passenger Platform that is activated by a Scaletrax ITAD. 

How about those passengers?  The train stops but never lets them board!  After a few times, I'd be delirious too!