Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I ran some tests with a bunch of DCC-equipped engines, and here's my results and tentative hypothesis: With four DCC engines all moving at once (the two GP15s, a GP18, and a GP7), running normally does not short in my experience. When two of them are traveling over the switches, the display will occasionally flash "ooo's" but nothing stops moving. In trying to juggle running four locomotives at high power (speed) in a relatively short yard, I did some rather unrealistic quick starts and stops. I found out that when you quickly throttle up to full speed (fast enough to spin the wheels before starting to move) with the GP15 consist, the display will show a short but the locos will not stop. Aha, a short in the loco, I thought. I tried it with one loco at a time, but no short. With the other two locomotives moving at a good clip, starting both GP15s will short the display, and once the SW9 was added (creeping along a side track using more power) that same activity was enough to short the display AND STOP TRAINS. Yes, I tested the GP15s to make sure it wasn't an internal short, and yes, I tried the UT4 and the Zephyr's throttle to make sure it wasn't a throttle problem. My hypothesis is thus: Quick increases in power usage tricks the Zephyr into thinking there is a short circuit. The more power draw being used altogether, the more it is fooled. That's why with one locomotive it doesn't even notice, but with three moving and two revving up, it shuts down track power. That's also why I think it's shorting on switches, because of my plastic frogs and those points that never really get totally clean - the flywheels and other loco in the consist keep it moving, but that sudden jump in current draw - with enough other draw around the layout - can be enough to trick the Zephyr. My question to you is - is this feasible? And since power does not seem to be the problem, would adding more power districts - less power draw per circuit breaker - solve this?
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community