I have an older P2K 2-10-2 with a QSI sound decoder. When I select it to run the whistle keeps sounding in short bursts. Meaning, according to the manual, that an internal circuit breaker has tripped. I tried removing power and resetting the decoder and still the same problem. Actually after resetting the decoder it ran about 3 inches and then the same problem. I'm having trouble identifying which decoder I should replace it with. I'd rather do a plug and play and not have to change speakers etc.
Can anyone help?
Thank you in advance.
I would suggest you check for a loose wire or something shorting out that is causing the issue first. Also try doing the rest, then just leave it sitting there, making the stationary noises but do not use the throttle. If it sits there for a long time and doesn't trip, then try moving it. If it once again trips as soon as you start moving, you have a short in the motor leads, or a problem with the motor.
Just swapping in a decoder, if the problem is actually with the motor, won;t fix it - in fact not all decoders have the sort of proetection the QSI decoder has and you may end up just frying a replacement if the issue is outside the decoder.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Don't forget to check for binding somewhere in the side rod linkage or maybe you have a cracked axle gear. I had two BLI PRR I1s that had cracked gears and if the engine stopped at a certain point the gear would jam and the motor would overload.
Broadway Limited pressed new gears on the drivers for me at no cost. I sent the drivers to them after I had removed them from the engine otherwise it would have been a repair fee of $75. each.
If you take the boiler off you should be able to turn the flywheel very easily and there should be a slight amount of play in the drive-line.
Good Luck, Ed
Randy;
You got it. I found melted insulation on the feeder leads inside the engine. Now to get it back together!!!
Thank you,
Mark
markie97 I found melted insulation on the feeder leads inside the engine.
Mark,
That would tell me that the motor was drawing excessive current, above what the 20-24 ga. wire could handle.
Before you reassemble your engine it would be wise to [electrically] isolate the motor and run it on DC through an ammeter to see exactly how much current the motor is drawing. There could be worn brushes, bad motor bearings or extreme binding in the geartrain or side rod linkage.