Hi all,
I have a question... I have a Digitrax DB150 system, just a small shelf layout... roughly 14 inches deep and 14 feet long in HO. At slow speeds, my locomotive, Proto2000 GP38, will cut out here and there at random. Over speed step 14 though, no problems. The slower the locomotive is going, the more frequent the cut outs. I've cleaned the tracks vigorously with a bright boy, gone over it with the track cleaning system, and even used goo gone and a q-tip. I've got 22 guage feeders soldered to the rails, that are then soldered to 18 guage "extenders" which are then soldered to a 14 guage bus wire. My only thought would be the 18 guage extenders (I cut the feeder wire too short :( making these necessary). Your thoughts?
Sounds to me like a pickup issue with the loco. Have you cleaned the wheels?
More likely the pickups on the loco, or the wheels on the loco, if the track is all very clean. It doesn;t stall at faster speeds because the flywheels take it over the dead spot - watch the headlight, this is a better indicator. Even at the higher speeds where it doesn't stall completely, the headlight will still flicker when power is lost.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I've cleaned the wheels, put some goo gone on a piece of paper towel and run the wheels over it. When I take it to the club or when I take it to the hobby shop, it runs just fine on these layouts at slow speeds, making me think the issue is at my home layout somewhere...
Keep in mind the issue (if there is one) is more likely with the decoder than the Digitrax system....Anyway, I'm assuming you're using 128 steps for speed, so it's running pretty well, just not super-slow? There's a couple of things you could do.
One would be change CV 5 to create a lower top speed. That will give each speed step a smaller 'footprint'. Think of it this way - say your engine with CV 5 and 6 at zero runs 120 scale mph at speed step 128. That means each speed step equals about one mph of engine speed. Make CV 5 64, and the top speed will be about 60 mph. Now each speed step equals about 1/2 mph, allowing for finer settings of the engine's speed.
If you think you're losing power, get a decoder with a 'keep alive' circuit like TCS decoders offer. It's amazing how big a difference they can make.
Otherwise, not all engines will crawl at 1 mph. If the engine runs reliably at speed step 14 at a decently slow speed, just change CV2 so speed step 1 equals the current speed step 14's power.
How many feeders do you have? If you are depending on rail joiners to provide power to rails not directly connected to feeders, that could be a problem. Soldering rail joiners can help.
Does the stalling happen at the same places every time? Again, that's a good indicator that you've got weak power connections to some rails. If you're losing power on turnouts, you may need to power your frogs (depending on the type of turnout you have) or clean the point rails so they make better contact.
Another possibility is a loose wire inside the locomotive, so one truck is not providing solid power at all times.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
If it works at those slow speeds on a different layout (club and/or shop), I would rule out dirty wheels, but it might indeed have a loose wire, making momentary loss of power a result. If it is not a loose wire, then you have some kind of power problem on your layout.
What type of track work does it stall on?
And, biggest question: Is it losing power, or a momentary short? Both will stop the locomotive, but, are different causes, and a different fix.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
MisterBeasley How many feeders do you have? If you are depending on rail joiners to provide power to rails not directly connected to feeders, that could be a problem. Soldering rail joiners can help. Does the stalling happen at the same places every time? Again, that's a good indicator that you've got weak power connections to some rails. If you're losing power on turnouts, you may need to power your frogs (depending on the type of turnout you have) or clean the point rails so they make better contact. Another possibility is a loose wire inside the locomotive, so one truck is not providing solid power at all times.
Couldn't agree more. Consider more feeders and check the pick up wires.
Rich
Alton Junction
Get rid of the Goo Gone.....leaves a sticky film on track and ends up on engine wheels, creating more conductive problems. Use ISO Alcohol or Laquer thinner or read up on others. 14ft should not be that big a problem with Your present wiring.
Take Care!
Frank
zstripe Get rid of the Goo Gone.....leaves a sticky film on track and ends up on engine wheels, creating more conductive problems. Use ISO Alcohol or Laquer thinner or read up on others.
Get rid of the Goo Gone.....leaves a sticky film on track and ends up on engine wheels, creating more conductive problems. Use ISO Alcohol or Laquer thinner or read up on others.