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Wireless Throttle Troubleshooting
Nearly all of the symptoms for wireless issues can be traced back to just a couple of sources and
these items are described below along with their solution. This page assumes that the throttles
were previously working OK. In other words, the wireless receiver has been setup correctly. See
the RX904 installation guide for how to setup the wireless receiver.
Symptom: Intermittent Loss Of Control In Certain Areas
This is easy - the receiver is no longer receiving the throttle’s transmitted signal. One
possibility is that the power level of the T5000E throttle has been changed. Set it to a higher
power level and try again.
If the problem is specific to a certain area, then you may have what we call a black hole.
The solution is to improve reception for that area. There are many techniques and options
described in great detail on page 27.
Symptom: A Specific Wireless Throttle No Longer Works
There are several potential sources of this problem. Check your records and make sure that its
assigned ID number and its unique frequency have not been changed. Curious fingers have
been known to work through the menus and change either or both of these critical settings.
Also confirm that there is a small letter s following the RF number. The throttles must always
be in the SCAN mode which is what the s means.
Symptom: The Locomotive Doesn’t Run Smoothly With The Wireless Throttle
There are three possible causes of this.
First cause is another throttle set to the same address. This can be a plug-in, Command Station
or another wireless throttle.
The second cause can be a duplicate frequency or ID number on the wireless throttle.
The third cause is the wireless receiver and how it handles the same locomotive address now
being controlled by a new throttle. In this case, the receiver starts sending update information
from the new throttle. However, the old throttle information is still in the receiver which has not
yet timed out. This takes about 2 minutes after the throttle has been turned off. This scenario is
identical to two throttles controlling the locomotive although in this case, it is a throttle and the
wireless receiver. To insure this doesn’t occur, always assign the throttle to a unused address
before turning it off. Use an easy to remember address such as 1 or 99 or 9999. Just make sure it
isn’t a legitimate address.
Symptom: A throttle, when turned on, causes interference with another throttle
Again, this is usually caused by two throttles are on the same frequency. Make sure every
throttle is on a unique frequency.
Another cause may be the throttle is set to incorrect transmission mode. If frequency 7 is
affected, one of the wireless throttles is set to burst mode (small letter b after the RF number).
Burst mode will jam frequency 7. Do not use it.
Symptom: A specific throttle frequency always seems to have reception problems
Your wireless equipment operates in an unlicensed band shared by many other transmitters.
Some of these external transmitters can and will create interference, intermittent throttle
operation or complete failure of one or more of the wireless receiver's 8 frequencies. The
sources of these external interfering signals can be from your own home of from adjacent
homes and businesses.
Here's a list of devices known to have cause problems when operated near our wireless
EasyDCC System: wireless devices attached to computers, TV remote controls, cordless
telephones, alarm systems, baby monitors, unlicensed personal communication devices, lawn
sprinklers, remote starter switches, cordless light switches, outdoor lighting controllers, toys
and games.
If you encounter a strong interfering signal on a specific frequency, don’t assign a throttle to
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