Hi folks

I just picked up a reasonably priced second hand Startset 29163 but I can't get it to work and hope someone might have some insight. I have no experience with these IR controllers.

The set is a simple C track oval with very basic loco and two goods wagons. It has an IR controller and ugly base station/track box permanently attached to one of the straights.

The loco works well - I have run it on my test track with CS3 under address 78 as it should be, and it runs very smoothly right down to slow speed.
The power supply/wallwart is working, delivering 18V no load.
Fresh batteries in the remote control and address switch set to the first position (address 78).
BUT....there is no power output from the basestation, which I guess suggests the basestation is kaputt?
I took the cover off and there's no obvious burnt components.

Am I correct in assuming that as a digital system there should be a constant current from the basestation to the track as per my CS3?
Are these basestations generally reliable or are they known to fail?
Is there any particular components on the basestation PCB I should be focussed on checking? (I doubt my eyes or soldering skills are up to replacing the SMD components but would be willing to give it a crack as a last resort)

My intention was to get a simple layout for my son, which was a step up from his MyWorld battery sets, but kept him away from my good stuff until he's a little older.
So it would be nice to get it running, but I'm not overly concerned if I can't. The set came with extras: an extra wagon, 2 straight turnouts, 1 curved turnout, 2 buffer stops, and some extra straights. The track is all ASA plastic, and everything is in near new condition, so the sum of the (working) parts is worth well over what I paid.

Appreciate any feedback
Cheers
Steve

Hi Tom

Thanks for the response.
I found some instructions online and the basestation does in fact turn off after 3 minutes of inactivity, and comes back on when another signal is received from the remote.
iI powered off and on and played a concerto on the remote but still no luck. Your response got me thinking though that it could also be a fault with the remote. The basestation may be turning off and if the remote is faulty maybe its not sending a signal to turn back on, but I guess the powering off and on would reset that though.
I found a short online clip of someone using this set and every time a remote control button is pushed the basestation IR receiver lights up - mine doesn't do that, so another indication something is faulty.

Ha ha - yes, that final option is looking more and more likely

Hi Eino

No - the light on the trackbox / IR receiver isn't flickering so I think the trackbox is dead.

I've just ordered this new/old stock replacement from Ebay which I thought was a reasonable price, and shipping not too bad to my side of the world.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/154308218898?

I will post back whether successful or not. If not successful, THEN I will give up.

Steve