The short answer is. Power up the layout and place a metal object across the rails. The booster/ command station circuit breaker should trip instantly. Blink of an eye instant. Remove the metal object and after a short period of time the system should come back on. Do this around the layout especially at the furthest point and around turnouts and other special track work.
If the breaker does not trip instantly then either there is a bad connection, more feeders, or larger wiring is needed. If the system does not recover then there is a draw where the breaker still senses a short.
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!
What is the quarter test?
Do a quarter test of the layout and try a little lube on your locomotives. The quarter test will insure your wiring and booster is putting out. The locomotives will benefit greatly by a clean and lube service. I do mine at least once a year or more if run a lot.
Easy enough to see if it's the new locos, take off all the new ones and run one of the ones that's been there the whole time. Does it run like it used to, or is it also still slower than it used to be?
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
All track has soldered connections. All joiners soldered. 14 Guage wire for bus. Feeders every 3' w/Soldered conections
How do you check the output of the Power Supply? Do I check it at the wire coming from the rear?
Don't forget . The railroad has been running for approx 5 years with no problem. Only change is the addition of the new engines.
How are your electrical connections between the Prodigy and track? Soldered, screw terminals, etc.? What gauge wire? The power supply's output should be checked with an ammeter to see if it is on the verge of dying.
It basicly stated to happen to all the engines at the same time. Cleaned tracks and all wheels.
They are drawing power just being on the track, but only a slight amount. Milliamps. A little more for a sound loco once it's selected and it starts playing sounds, but still less than if it was pulling a train.
You should be able to easily run all those locos at the same time (and then some) with 3.5 amps though. Have you done any maintenence on them? Might just need to lube them, after extended use the gears will dry out and they will take more power to overcome the increased friction.
I have a 10'x16' layout. At present I have 5 engines. Two with sound. Usally there are only 3 engines running at one time.
I have noticed that the engines have all slowed down. I was able to run one of the trains at 40 scale mph up the 2.5 % grade. Now I have had to move it to 50 mph to stay at the same speed. Here is my question.
I am running Prodigy Advance with a 3.5 amp output.
1. When I fist turn it on and before I select one of the engines with sound are they drawing any current?
2. After I select one w/sound but have not put any power to it to run is it drawing any current?
I have none of my turnouts connected to stationary decoders
3. How many amp are these engines drawing?
2- Backmann Climax=
1-BLI F7w/Sound=
1-BLI SW 7w/Sound=
1 Atlas Diesel 38=
Does it look like I need a booster?