Question for all the experts out there...
I've got a couple of Atlas HO Scale GP38s with the original dual mode decoders. I'd like to change them out and use new decoders with a Keep Alive capacitor. I run a Lenz DCC system on my layout. Any suggestions and which decoder to use? Also I want to be able to add ditch lights so I need to make sure whatever I install will be able to allow for this.
Thanks!
Tim
TCS makes a number of decoders with built-in keep alive capability. I was at the Springfield show in January. The TCS team had an engine running on a loop. They lifted it off the track, put it on the table and it kept running for about a foot (until he stopped it by hand) pulling a train.
But, why do you need a KA system with a 4-axle diesel? That should have enough pickups to maintain good track power.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
TCS & Lenz both offer 'keep-alive' circuitry - But hang onto your pocketbook(they are not inexpensive). The Atlas engines are great runners with all wheel pick-up. If you are having stalling issues, clean your track and the engine wheels first'
As far as working ditch lights(the flashing ones) - You will need 4-6 output functions depending on if you just want the front ditch lights to flash, or the rear ones as well when you reverse direction. If you are modeling 'western' roads, may of then do not use the flashing option and you can wire them to the front or rear headlight outputs.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Thanks for the response. I was wondering which decoder would fit into my Atlas engines in place of the original dual mode decoder. The main problem is not so much dirty track but stalling on some switches, especially crossovers. I am going to use these two engines to pull my track cleaning mw train though which consists of a boxcar with a mounted track cleaning pad, an Atlas track cleaning car (for the vacuum), a CMX track cleaning tank car, two gondolas with dust monkeys and a cabooose. Every railroad needs a maintenance of way train, right?
Both units are GMTX engines. The prototype only had ditch lights on the short hood end and remain constant when the horn is activated.
For ditch lights you would need a 4 function decoder. The TCS KAT14 and KAT24 (KAT24 has the longer keep alive time) are about $42. Not a drop in replacement, you'll have to hard wire it. There should be plenty of room for either one.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
What kind of turnouts are they stalling on? Atlas and Walthers turnouts both have metal frogs which can be powered, but they are not powered as delivered and need to be "driven" by something, typically the aux contacts of a Tortoise, or perhaps a "frog juicer" circuit.
A keep-alive decoder will help one engine get over a rough spot, but powering the frogs will help them all.
Or, it might be as simple as adding some more feeders and soldering the rail joints.