This is my first post of what will probably be many (MANY). Finally semi-retired, completed the finished basement project (took only 13 months), and starting to build my long-planned room-sized N-scale layout.
I will probably have lots of posts here because I was trained as an art historian not an electrical engineer (which you seem to need in today's model train world!).
Using an old MRC Command 2000 finally today and first problem is the one loco I have been able to program and run starts, stalls, and then runs again. It does this all around my 12 ft by 30 ft layout. Frustrating. Continues to emit sound even when it is stalled. Only thing I can even have an idea about is that the start voltage, acceleration rate and deceleration rates need to be programmed to the minimums. Any other ideas? Thanks
Changing the speed and/or momentum CVs won't change anything about what you're describing. The stopping and starting could mean the wheels and/or track need cleaning, maybe even cleaning and lubricating the interior working parts.
What you're describing can also happen if an engine has been set up as a trailing unit in a DCC consist.
Note that the old Command 2000 is very limited - I found posts in this forum from 2009 where folks are talking about it being obsolete then! For example, it only recognizes addresses 1-10, and only a couple of functions. Maybe try running the engines on someone else's DCC layout, like a friend or a local club, and see how they run then.
to the forum! I think stix is bang on. Your first few comments will be moderated, please be patient.
Simon
New loco, ebay loco? You should have test as you were building, but that's water under the bridge.
Tell us to about the feeders to your track.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
When in doubt, reset the chip. decoders have quirky problems that just factory reset then reprogram fixes. Like. It sits, the sound works, and lights, but doesn't respond to moving Commands As an example. It happens occasionally.
there was a very similar post to your about two three weeks ago. Engine stopped but sound didn't shut off. If you dig back a few pages, you could find it and see if any posts in that one helps
shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
Thanks for the help. I will clean contacts and lube. I also have an MRC Prodigy Express and may hook that up as a trial for these two locos.
I realize the Command 2000 is old and limited, but I don't need much in the way of features. What I do need is the availability to run analog and DCC locos. I do not want to convert my 30-odd analog locos (too much work and $). So, if the Command 2000 is too out-of-date, is there a system on the market now that will run both types of locos? If there is, I would also like wireless throttle if I am going to upgrade.
BigDaddy New loco, ebay loco? You should have test as you were building, but that's water under the bridge. Tell us to about the feeders to your track.
Were both new Kato locos, 10+ years old, stored for 5+ years. Ran perfectly before stored. Feeders are 18 AWG to 14 ga AWG bus, every 10-15 ft
wjstix Note that the old Command 2000 is very limited - I found posts in this forum from 2009 where folks are talking about it being obsolete then! For example, it only recognizes addresses 1-10, and only a couple of functions.
Note that the old Command 2000 is very limited - I found posts in this forum from 2009 where folks are talking about it being obsolete then! For example, it only recognizes addresses 1-10, and only a couple of functions.
FATHER INLAW FOR HIS LAYOUT , WELL HE DIED IN 2018 & NEVER USED IT . I HONESTLY WENT WITH NCE BUT ANY UP TODATE SYSTEM IS LIGHT YEARS BETTER .
GOOD LUCK
DDunnHandyManWhat I do need is the availability to run analog and DCC locos. I do not want to convert my 30-odd analog locos (too much work and $). So, if the Command 2000 is too out-of-date, is there a system on the market now that will run both types of locos? If there is, I would also like wireless throttle if I am going to upgrade.
No, there isn't a DCC system that also puts out DC. You'd have to set up the layout with a toggle to switch between DC powerpack and the DCC system.
Pretty much all DCC systems now have radio/wireless walkaround control options. I use CVP, I find their radio control very reliable - one receiver picks up the walkaround unit's signal from anywhere in the basement.
However, doesn't seem like a great idea to spend the money for a DCC system with wireless controller etc. and then only be able to use it for a couple of engines. I know it can seem overwhelming, but - especially if you're not that worried about sound - converting to DCC isn't all that hard or expensive. I'd argue the benefits of DCC (ability to control lighting, smoother running with momentum settings, ability to precisely speed-match engines to run together, "keep alive" technology that keeps the engine running over dead spots, Back EMF which keeps the engine running the same speed uphill or downhill, etc. etc.) are well worth it.