Hello!
I have an Athearn tra with a D.C. Transformer and EZ track. I've been trying to get it to work, and if i apply enough voltage I can even get the locomotive to budge a little. I managed to get it halfway around the loop at one point, but that's it. I've tried 2 different locos and got the same results. What's going on, and how can I resolve it?
Could be the transformer. If it's DC, then most any 12 volt DC power supply rater at least 0.5 amp can be substituted. You can check that there's power getting to the tracks by using a multimetere to check to see if there is voltage on the rail.
Even if there is no potentonmeter (adjustment dial), if you hook a 12 volt DC supply up and turn it on with a loco on the tracks, it should run at near full speed.
If both are DCC locos, then there could be other issues, but if both are straight DC this will tell you whether or not it's the transformer.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
Lot of possibilities here........make sure the track is clean (wipe with alcohol), make sure the loco electrical pick up wheels or whatever are clean. Make sure the track is securely connected, and if its of any size you need additional feeder wires installed.
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
Do you have a volt meter? It is one of the most basic troubleshooting tools. You can get a simple one for $10 or $15 at Home Depot, Walmart, etc. Using one, you can check it the transformer is putting out proper voltage and if the power is going around the track.
Is this the one you have?
http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=transformer
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
G Paine Do you have a volt meter? It is one of the most basic troubleshooting tools. You can get a simple one for $10 or $15 at Home Depot, Walmart, etc. Using one, you can check it the transformer is putting out proper voltage and if the power is going around the track. Is this the one you have? http://www.athearn.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=transformer
Here is a good link. I have similar meters I bought from Harbor Freight some years ago at about two dollars each. Compare very well to an expensive meter.
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_Workshop/index.htm
A link to do current test for DCC motor test if you ever go that way.
http://www.trainelectronics.com/Meter_HF/index.htm
The meter reads about 13.6 VAC on my NCE Power Cab DCC set.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
How long has it been since you've had that loco running? If it has been sitting for a number of years, it's possible that the lubrication of the drive mechanism is dried up. If so, the drive gears need to be taken apart and cleaned and re-lubricated. I believe there are several online tutorials for doing this. I have never done it but I have several locos that are in this condition and they worked several years ago but are "frozen" now. I'm sure that its the gummed up drives on them
Try another loco.
Press a 12 volt bulb to the DC track terminals on the power pack. Increasing the throttle will brighten the bulb. If no results, touch bulb to the 16 volt AC accessory terminals briefly. If it lights bright, it's the DC throttle at fault.
A 9 volt battery pressed to the track makes a quick tester.