I'm on my 2nd left crossover. The first had a problem that, according to Bachmann's service department, was caused by a defective switch. I sent it back to MB Klein, who sent a new one that has the same problem. So I'm assuming that it's something that I've done wrong.
The problem: I programmed the crossover to respond to #4 on my DCC Command. I used a separate piece of track to program the crossover.
When I power up the layout, the problem crossover may or may not respond to the # 4 button (after I've pressed 9 and the yellow buttons). If I run the train's through a time or two, the crossover works. Then it may go out again. What I mean is that almost always one of the two switches for the crossover will work, but the other is the one that will hang up. If I manually adjust it a couple of times, it usually works for a few switches, or it may work and then stop again.
It sounds like a wiring problem, but nothing seems loose and I've checked the EZ Track on either side of the crossover.
The likelihood of both crossovers being bad is possible, but I feel, not likely.
It seems to be operator error.
I'd really welcome some help.
Build short test track using the DCC #6 single crossover turnout - left and 2 straights on each leg. One of the straights (total 8) will be a terminal rerailer to connect power.
Test - activate turnout switching without a locomotive on track. Then test running each of your locomotives on each route.
I've already done that. It programmed easily, but then demonstrated the problems I described. I suppose I could disconnect it, run it to another terminal piece, and test it. I could turn it over and wiggle the wires to see if a loose wire is the problem.
I seems unlikely that this crossover has the same defect as the one I sent back.
When using test track and testing as suggested, did the turnout fail to consistently operate when a particular locomotive was on the track? If yes, which one(s)?
correction in bold ---
Quote from: Hunt on March 15, 2015, 01:21:14 PM
Build short test track using the DCC #6 single crossover turnout - left and 2 straights on each leg. One of the straights (total 8 ) will be a terminal rerailer to connect power.
Test - activate turnout switching without a locomotive on track. Then test running each of your locomotives on each route.
The SMF Bulletin Board Code used by this board parses
8) as the 8) smiley
I'm afraid I don't have that many extra pieces of straight EZ track. I have curved pieces though.
I still think the problem comes from a poor connection. The right crossover has no problems. As for the left, one of the two switches always works when I press the # that activates it. The other switch in that left crossover has intermittent problems. When trains cross it, the problem usually clears up.
I will take the pieces apart and put them back and see what happens.
This is why I stick with the non decoder one's.