QUOTE: Originally posted by ernies railroad You know whats so great about this hobby, someone is always willing to help a fellow model railroader. Have been in the hobby for 35 years and it's the people that make the hobby. Converting over to DCC, your answers make sense, THANKS
QUOTE: Originally posted by ernies railroad What is EMF/
QUOTE: What is EMF/
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
QUOTE: Originally posted by Medina1128 Actually, EMF stands for Electro Motive Force... and back EMF is just that. It's a voltage signal that is a lower voltage and flowing in reverse, or 90 degrees out of phase of the main signal. What this does is allow minute changes in voltage, allowing the motor to turn very slowly. The downside of back EMF, is that it generates more heat.
fsm1000 wrote:Gee I suppose I should upgrade my locos with the rubber bands [as opposed to the newer universal joints ] eh? Anyone remember those things? lol That was a while ago. EMF is also in drills, saws and other things as well. In case you wanted to know this lol. Stephen
I've still got several old rubber-band drive engines. These were made by Athearn in the 1960's. When I unboxed them after 40 years, I found I had some that still ran, so I put decoders in them. Well, they ran, but not very well. I pulled out the decoders to use elsewhere, and converted 2 of the engines to dummies (or "honorary locomotives") which I run around in consists. I just got the gear conversion kit for the third engine, an Athearn Hustler. I went to my LHS to order the conversion kit (now, remember, this kit is only for this obscure 40-year-old engine) and he had the kit in stock.
But back to the slow-speed performance on DCC, remember that slow speed puts a premium on good trackwork, and particularly good electrical contacts. When you run your trains fast, they will coast over electrical "gaps" and you may not even notice. At slow speed, and particularly at the almost-stopped "yard speed" we like for switchers, your engine may stall at turnout frogs if there are any loose rail joiners, etc.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Good article on what Stix just commented on in September MR... very basic, but just what I needed and it explains this effect PERFECTLY!
Brian