power snafu??

[JRP]

Every so often when I go to turn on the power to run engines with decoders, the engine lights flash on and off like there is a quick power surge and I have to continually plug and unplug the unit until it starts up "normally". It's not consistent with every locomotive or decoder. Has anyone experienced this and do you know what causes this? JRP

[rrinker]

What system and what decoders? Digitrax decoders will flash the lights if there is a short in the motor side. If all decoders do it, is there any beeping from the booster that would indicate a short?

 

               --Randy

[CSX Robert]

Is it just one quick flash on and then right back off again and not multiple flashes?  If so, then it is nothing to worry about.  Most, if not all of my decoders do this every time I power up the layout.  I often work with microcontrollers similar to what these decoders use and this is normal behaviour.  When the decoder powers up the internal pullups on the microcontrollers digital outputs will allow the decoders outptus to turn on until the microcontroller "boots up" and executes the code that enables the output drivers and forces the outputs to turn off.

[JRP]

It flashes on and off quickly. As Randy said it might be a short, but it has happened on a number of locomotives, both ones I installed and factory installed. I don't hear any noise from my booster unit (Zephyr) when it is going this. Sometimes the locomotive starts up first time without the flashing, then other times I have to turn the power on and off to get it to quit....???. Maybe I need to send a memo off to the tech guys at Soundtraxx or QSI. Will keep you posted. Thanks. JRP