I have an Athearn FP7 that I installed a TCS WOW w/KA decoder in. I didn't. Realize or consider that once removed from the layout the loco would keep running in my hand! That was interesting. I couldn't place it back on the shelf until it stopped (about 10 seconds). so I got to thinking what would happen if the loco derailed and had visions of it plowing through scenery and crashing into structures.
Do you use these capacitor equipped decoders? Any problems?
Gary
gdelmoroso I got to thinking what would happen if the loco derailed and had visions of it plowing through scenery and crashing into structures.
That would be prototypical.
maxman gdelmoro so I got to thinking what would happen if the loco derailed and had visions of it plowing through scenery and crashing into structures. That would be prototypical.
gdelmoro so I got to thinking what would happen if the loco derailed and had visions of it plowing through scenery and crashing into structures.
Indeed it would, Rick...Indeed it would
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
HA! That's great.
Basically with any sort of keep alive you can;t just cut the power to the track to stop the loco. You have to actually send a stop/speed 0 command. So yeah, if the loco hops off the rails it will continue to try and keep moving until the keep alive is discharged.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have added them to locos on an exception basis. I think I keep my track reasonably clean and have rare sound interruptions at some less than perfect track spots. I powered the turnout frogs.
Locos I recall adding capacitors include a Genesis GP9, a Bachmann doodlebug, an Athearn snowplow / tender pair, a P2K 0-8-0 and a IHC 2-6-0 camelback. It does the job nicely for problem locos but is not needed in perhaps most cases.
I keep a variety of Keep Alive and Current Keeper sizes available so I can add one with not geometry suitable for the space available.
I often use LokSound Select decoders. I don't use their 3-wire pack. The 2-wire ones I use can interfere with Program Track re-programming in some way (I forget how) unless including a micro on/off switch or disconnecting it temporarily. The manual says the 2-wire types must be disconnected when using the LokProgrammer. I do most programming on main (POM). Sorry but I forget the details.
Of course, adding one is easier or tricky depending on whether plug in or needing to solder to the board. The Select requires board soldering, a little tricky.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
With the TCS ones, how long it keeps going depends on which decoder / Keep Alive you have. It seems to me the separate Keep Alive units will keep an engine going as described in the OP. A TCS decoder with "built-in" Keep Alive works great, but generally would only keep it going 2-3 seconds. For a stopped engine, when you cut the power off, the headlight will stay on for 10 sec. or so.....
I power my frogs and use plenty of feeders.
The only engine I've ever even considered a keep-alive for is an 0-6-0 tank engine. All the rest run fine on my tracks.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I suspect that when a "keep-alive"ed loco derails, its subsequent forward speed will depend a lot on its level of traction on ballast, lychen, plaster, (former) small buildings, etc.
That is, I doubt it's gonna go three feet across the scenery. But it's certainly an interesting possibility.
I've put KA in a brass gas-electric that wouldn't go a foot without stalling. It's a beaut now.
I agree that lots of locos don't seem to need them. And that those that do, do.
Ed
I agree, they are excellent for some locos and I've never had a problem with a derail going bad. Thats just what I was thinking when I picked it up and it was still running sound and all.
I do have a 060 switcher that I think I might add one to.
Can you add KA to any decoder? My 060 is a Walthers Proto-2000.
I've never used one.My last layout, I did not power my frogs. BUT - I *DID* power the points with feeders. I have noticed when engines stall on switches, it's MUCH more frequently that they stall on the points then the frogs.I also advise you to check out your engines; many engines that should pick up on all eight wheels don't. The more complicated the system of tabs and feelers and whatnot they use to conduct power, the more likely something is going to fritz up.
Disclaimer: This post may contain humor, sarcasm, and/or flatulence.
Michael Mornard
Bringing the North Woods to South Dakota!
Bayfield Transfer RailwayBUT - I *DID* power the points with feeders. I have noticed when engines stall on switches, it's MUCH more frequently that they stall on the points then the frogs.
Can we assume that powering the points solved the problem, rather than the problem persisited after you powered the points?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
D'oh.I actually dropped feeders from the points from the beginning because I had observed the problem on other railroads.And yes, it worked. I never had an engine stall on a turnout at all.(I don't count it when a crew runs into a switch thrown against them.)
My gas-electric was dropping out on straight track.
I could have converted it from 4 wheel to 8 wheel pickup. Seemed like too much trouble.
The "K-A" solved the problem.