Some of you read my review of the CVP Easy DCC system and how I used the locos as "test mules". I did encounter a rather unusual problem, even on my short test track. Sometimes one unit would simply stop, for no apparent reason, and resume motion. I tried a number of things, as follows:
First, I was (and still am) using the AR terminals of the DZB7 booster. The autoreverse sensitivity was set at the factory default (Manual says it's in the ~1 amp range). I tried upping the voltage of the booster's power supply - I tried 16, then 18 volts, with no change. I set it back to 15 volts. I then tried using the handheld throttle, the built in throttles, the stopping kept occurring with both. Only occasionally would the unit go silent/no lights. So I figured maybe dirty track. I cleaned the track with a track eraser, it did look visibly cleaner, but no change to the problem. I tried the other unit, wondering if dirty wheels were the problem. Mind you, these units have *maybe* an hour or two of run time on them. There was no change, both units exhibited the same symptoms. I brought up the loco info in the CVP command station, I observed the %throttle as the units ran. The throttle %'age stayed the same, as it should. I began to wonder if the DCC signal was somehow being corrupted. Once, one unit took off at a fairly high throttle setting, not responding to commands to stop. Fortunately, it ran into an unpowered section and simply stopped.
Now, I've read where many sound equipped locos can draw an amp or better, *AND* where the booster's autoreverse was factory set to trip at about an amp. I wondered if the current was autoreversing, and "confusing" the decoders. Sure, I *could* have switched to the other terminals, but on a hunch, I adjusted the "screw" on the AR for a higher amp'age. I only gave it about 1/8 turn clockwise. Jackpot. It seemed to have resolved the problem **holds hands together and prays**. Guess I'll need to leave it there when it comes time to wire up the reversing loop/section. I wonder how much current 4 F units with sound will draw?
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
Brad,
You mentioned that you cleaned the track. Did you also clean the wheels on your locomotive(s)? Personally, I would use a liquid-based cleaner/degreaser (e.g. lacquer thinner or 91% isopropyl alcohol) and a lint-free cloth. You'd be amazed at the amount of gunk/oil on the track that can't be seen. My Atlas HH660/600 is especially sensitive to dirty track and will stop and restart in fits until the track has been cleaned.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
No, I didn't clean the wheels. Given the low running time (and a visual inspection), I tried some other things first. I was *NOT* losing power (most of the time), the lights and sound remained on. If these particular models lose power, the decoders will go through the "startup sequence" when they have power again. No, when they stopped, even the engine sounds revved down as if they had received a signal to stop/slow down. Now I'll admit, dirty track and dirty wheels could certainly cause signal issues, and had this not solved the issue, you be rest assured some wheel-cleaning would be in order. I would use 91% alcohol (dirt cheap), and some lint-free disposable shop towels. Last time I did this, I put alcohol on the towel, turned up the throttle, and let the wheels slip on the track and towel, then reversed the engine to do the other truck. I could do several engines before the alcohol evaporated.