Soundtraxxx problems???

[Meyblc]

I have a Proto 2000 0-8-0 that I installed a Soundtraxxx decoder into that I purchased from Tony's Trains. Before converting it over to DCC, it ran smooth as silk in DC. After I installed the Soundtraxxx decoder (and speaker) I can't get this little engine to run anywhere near as good. I have followed some of the advice here about keeping my track and wheels SUPER clean, this really didn't help. I followed more advice and installed electrical pick ups in the tender wheels after changing them from P2k wheels to Jay-Bee wheels. This did little to improve the performance either.

Is it possible to install a regular DCC decoder into this engine and piggy back the Soundtrax decoder onto the regular decoder. I really don't want to lose the sound qualities, but the overall performance just has to get better.

[scubaterry]

Yes you can piggy back a decoder with the sound decoder however the poor running may possibly be corrected by adjusting some of the CV's. I know when I goof around with my decoders and change CV values it can have a pronounced effect on running characterisitcs. What CV's to check/change I have no idea but maybe someone with more expierience than I have can guide you. I don't think their should be any noticable difference in running between two decoders assuming all CV's are set correctly. Just my uninformed opinion.
Terry

[Anonymous]

The CVs to check are acceleration, deceleration, and starting voltage. You can also tweak the speed tables (if decoder is so equipped) for better running.

I don't know if you are going to get a decoder, sound-only decoder, plus a speaker in that tender...! I used the Soundtraxx LL080 sound decoder and kit in my P2K 0-6-0 switcher, and it *barely* fit.

Andrew

[cacole]

Your SoundTraxx decoder should have come with two rather large booklets. Read through the first booklet and make sure you don't have the decoder set for a "custom speed table" that you haven't created and uploaded into the decoder.

[jfugate]

Mayblc:

"Not as good" isn't very specific ... can you tell us more precisely what this loco is now doing that makes it appear to run so poorly? Also let us know what DCC system you are using.

Could be something as simple as a speed step setting in CV29. One litlle tweak could make a LOT of difference. But it's hard to tell without some details.

[Meyblc]

The problems that I am having is that the locomotive seems to stall (stop moving / sound reset / leghts turn off) every few inches. It happens on all turnouts. I have tried cleaning a 3 ft piece of flex track on my mainline. Run the engine down this 3 foot piece of track and it still stalls out several times. give it a slight nudge and it starts running again.

I am running the MRC Prodigy Advance.

I have 3 different sound equiped locomotives. I have a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 that I installed a Soundtraxx decoder into and it runs great. I have a BLI E7A that runs perfectly. Then I have this Proto 0-8-0 that I want to throw against the wall at times.

I have asked this original question over on the Atlas boards and got answers like clean my track more often. I was also told that this is a known problem with the Proto 0-8-0 as only the 8 driving wheels are picking up power from the rails. Someone explained that if I add electrical pick ups to the tender wheels, it may help. This helpful individual even sent me pictures of how he had done this to several of his Proto 0-8-0's. I followed his instructions and it still didn't help much.

The decoder that I installed from Soundtraxx is a LL080LC I believe. I was also told that LC at the end of the model number stands for Low Cost. Kinda goes with the "known problem" idea.

[kansaspacific1]

Take a look at the article on pages 64 to 67in the July 2005 Railroad Model Craftsman,
written by Art Comino. On page 65, he talks about a problem with Soundtraxx DSD100LC that appears to be similar to your problem, and which he corrrects in the
article by installing a (Lenz) non sound decoder in addition to the Soundtraxx decoder,
which coincidentatly he mentions is "the least expensive" Soundtraxx decoder.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I had the same problem when I first installed my LC sound decoder. In my case, adding the tender pickups helped immensely. I would start checking the continuity of the tender pickups you installed, right back to the decoder. I don't remember if this is a plug and play decoder but if it is, plug in a known good decoder to see if you still have the same problem.