I am really new to dcc.I have 8 locos all of which operate fine on dc control however, when using dcc with default setting 3 only , two locos keep burning up the decoders. I programed main trk, 3 proto 1000 subway cars dcc ready using tcs t1 decoders and 3 bachmann dcc equipt and all work fine for speed , direction and lighting. when I try the same with two seperate f7a proto 2000 locos the decoder smokes, I used a new harness each time. I checked the motor winding and it is not grounded to the frame, any suggestions? thanks rav4
I am a little confused with your post. What locos are smoking decoders? What control system? Make and model decoders?
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Your information is confusing.
When you say you used a new harness each time, do you mean a harness with a NMRA 8-pin plug on the end, or a harness that you hard wired into the locomotive?
If you used the 8-pin plug-in harness, I believe that may be the problem -- some P2K locos had their 8-pin socket wired wrong, which blew decoders.
If the harness was one that you soldered into place, perhaps you wired it wrong in both instances.
I don't own the particular model you're having trouble with, so I can't tell you for sure which ones were faulty, but Walthers' customer service may be able to help you.
After I install a decoder, even a simple "plug and play" one, I always put it on the programming track first and try to read a CV (like the engine address) first. If it doesn't read it, it means there's a problem like a short circuit. The programming track power is less than the regular DCC-power, so it won't burn up the decoder if you did something wrong.
wjstix After I install a decoder, even a simple "plug and play" one, I always put it on the programming track first and try to read a CV (like the engine address) first. If it doesn't read it, it means there's a problem like a short circuit. The programming track power is less than the regular DCC-power, so it won't burn up the decoder if you did something wrong.
Alway good advice but we still don't know what DCC system he has, maybe he doesn't have one with a dedicated program track. This is a reason to get a system with such a program track, even more so that the ability to read CVs. If it won;t program, STOP and double check everything. Don't set the loco on the main until you are sure it responds on the program track. The limited current keeps the decoder from frying in the event of a wiring fault.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks guys for your advise, I appreciate it. I called Walters & they advised me not to use the 8 pin connector on the middle pcb but to disconnect the pin connection in the rear of the motor & connect the new decoder which I did & it worked , thanks again, rav4