David Calhoun

OK, before I go back and purchase the other device previously suggested, I'm willing to listen to some suggestions to try and salvage what I have. The AR is supposed to control a Wye from my West Yard back to the main which curves around behind the yard returning Eastbound and thus, changing polarity.

The wiring drops from the main line and the Wye are set up correctly according to the instruction sheet and a drawing from the previous posting responses. Here is my problem:

I set the ttc screw to the middle position as suggested by the instructions. I double checked the Ops Switch 18 setting to be on "c" as Digitrak had suggested in their answer to me. The engine leaves the main line and stops dead with the AR not clicking at all. Subsequent adjustments counterclockwise all produce the same result. 

At one adjustment counterclockwise, the AR clicks and track power dies. I adjusted the ttc screw clockwise as barely as I could and power returned. At that setting, I tried again to move the engine from the main to enter the Wye. Stops dead and NO click from the AR.

Suggestions other than throwing it away and making the other recommended purchase? Thanks. Your help is appreciated. This is the last gremlin, I believe, before becoming operational, final ballast, track cleaning and scenery. I'd like to have an open house for the community the week between Christmas and New Year if I can get this sorted out - fingers crossed. 

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate

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marcfo68

. . .

Though you had this fixed in AR1 part 1, page 3 ? 

Marc

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David Calhoun

Previous fix

Dropped out on me - thought adjustment screw moved or electrical glitch. Now, doesn't seem to adjust back to the way it was when working.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate

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David Calhoun

Success!

 

A big thanks to Dave Merrill and my former English teachers who taught diagramming. Took Dave's sketch and followed every wire from its source to the rails and found my mistake.

The engine ready track in the West Yard is part of the isolated Wye and was hooked up to the main line power district instead of the AR bus. Once I disconnected both drops, the AR worked perfectly. Ran the ready track wires to the correct bus and retested the AR. Runs like a champ.

Glad I paid attention in school to diagramming English sentences. Since I was in the seminary and studying Latin, Theology and the Classics, I never had shop or automotive or any of those other practical classes. It's amazing that model railroading has been teaching me carpentry, electronics, painting, landscaping, model making, and a hundred other things. Still getting an education after all these years.

Now on to final ballasting, track cleaning and scenery.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate

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