From what I read online the early versions of this AHM loco had a five pole motor which may be possible to convert to DCC. The later ones had 3 pole motors which I read may not be able to be converted without swapping out the motor.
Has anyone here converted an early AHM BL-2 to DCC successfully, and if so, are there any things to look out for while doing the conversion.
Chris.
Loco Guy - is a state of mind - not an affinity to locomotives.
Sit back and enjoy your track...
davidmbedardDCC and 3 pole motors is fine. Where did you hear otherwise?
Actually it's in the comments section of this video of a AHM gg-1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjJQXRv4qIU
I know the loco is different but I just wondered if there was some "special" wiring config for the AHM motors that prevented DCC conversion.
I don't have the BL-2 in my possesion yet - so I cant take the shell off and see whats inside. I am assuming its the vertically mounted five pole motor. From what I see online the rear trucks feed two wires to the motor so I dont think I will have to isolate the motor from the frame.
I did the conversion to DCC and it runs like a kangaroo - motor refuses to run smoothly like it did in DC mode.
Tried this on two old AHM models (both BL-2s) and the exact same response from both.
What decoder did you use? You may need to adjust the motor drive CVs to make it work properly.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
It was an MRC 1621 Ver 2 DCC/Sound decoder (I just had laying round). Its still connected to the loco so I could adjust a few CV's.
Which CV's would I need to change to adjust the motor? There are ones for speed tables, back EMF, kick start voltage, etc. But mostly I just fiddle with the ones for sound or lighting.
Any hints or pointers would be great as I can try that before accepting defeat.
rrinker What decoder did you use? You may need to adjust the motor drive CVs to make it work properly. --Randy
Randy - T H A N K S!!!
I read about jerky movement when converting to DCC. I tracked it down to the back EMF CV's so the first thing I did was turn the darn thing off. On my decoder that was set CV 124 to Zero. Worked like a charm. Rolls like a champ now.