Converting DC to DCC

[Kelly523]

 

HI

 

I have a RS2 loco proto 1000 new I converted it over to dcc installing a digitrak dh126 decoder now the problem it has no speed or pulling power do I have the wrong decoder or do I need to change a setting and if it is a setting where would I start. I also have a digitrak 100 system.

 

Thanks for your help

 

George

 

[gdelmoro]

Can you give us some more information?  Do you mean the loco doesn’t move or only moves very slow?  when you say it has no pulling power do you mean the wheels turn but the loco won’t pull the train? Or do you mean when you hook cars up I’d just sits there? Of do you mean that it can only pull two or three cars?  Did you remove weights to make room for the decoder? Can you read the current CV settings?

I’m no DCC wizard but those on this forum that are will probably want to know this information.

[BigDaddy]

George, weren't you one of those building a new layout?  Is this your only engine or do other DCC engines run well on your layout?

 

[tstage]

George,

If you did the decoder install yourself, you might want to check to see if any of the track pickup wires or one of the wires from the decoder is binding the drive wheels.

Tom

[mbinsewi]

Kelly523

I also have a digitrak 100 system.

I use Digitrax, a little confused on what you call 100 system.  Is your command/booster station the DCS100 ? or are you using a DT100 throttle?

Just to clarify what you have, and may have nothing to do with your problem.

Mike.

[Ron High]

The older Proto RS2s wth the Athearn style drive had the very commmon split gear problem be sure that is not the issue.  All 6 of my RS2s those had that problem.If this is a newer Walthers drive it shouldn't be an issue.

Ron High

[DigitalGriffin]

Kelly523

 

HI

 

I have a RS2 loco proto 1000 new I converted it over to dcc installing a digitrak dh126 decoder now the problem it has no speed or pulling power do I have the wrong decoder or do I need to change a setting and if it is a setting where would I start. I also have a digitrak 100 system.

 

Thanks for your help

 

George

 

 

 

I agree with Tom on checking binded up fly wheels.

 

I did a similar conversion (Tsunami inside a proto 1000 RS2).   I also had issues similar to yours.  A 5 minute diagnostic told me the decoder was pressing on the fly wheel preventing free movement.  Try running it with the shell removed and see if that fixes your problem.

The space is a little cramped in there.  I recommend the cab as a potential decoder install point.

Once you get it installed though, that little RS2 will be smooth as butter and run day and night for you.  They are among my favorite (and I'm a steam guy!)

[Kelly523]

I removed the motor and hooked a dc transformer motor ran fine no load. I am running with the shell off the loco moves slowly at full throttle when two or three cars are attached it sits there I push It it will start to move then stop. After reading what everyone as written I’m thinking removing the wheels and hook wires to the pickups see what happens what do you guys think.

Thanks again

 

George

[RR_Mel]

I’d remove the decoder orange and grey and hook the rails back to motor and see if it works in DC mode.  If it works OK on DC then you know that it’s a decoder problem.

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[mbinsewi]

Check this out George.  It's for a TCS decoder, but the brand of decoder doesn't matter.  There are 3 traces you have to cut on the board, and decoder wires are soldered to the board.

https://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Life_Like/Proto_1000_RS2/lifelike_rs2.htm

Mike.