Bachmann DCC Crossovers

[kdgrant6]

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.

[Hunt]

Build short test track using the DCC  #6 single crossover  turnout - left  and 2 straights on each leg. One of the straights (total 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. 

[kdgrant6]

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.

[Hunt]

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)?

[Hunt]

correction in bold ---

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

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[kdgrant6]

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.

[Jerrys HO]

This is why I stick with the non decoder one's.