I installed an Econami decoder into an Athearn GP 50 a couple of weeks ago.The loco runs great. Only issue i am having is that the loco's speed is affected when i activate the air horn! Once I release f2 ,then it returns to its original speed.
I had this problem before, with a digitrax sound decoder.I eventualy found out that I needed to set cv57 to a value of 0.That sorted that one out .
I have swopped speakers, and adjusted the volume ,thinking that just maybe there was too much of a load on the amp in the decoder. This did seem to lessen the effect. The thing is then the sound is very soft!!
I did find, that if I muted the loco ,and then pressed f2 then the loco ran just fine.No negative effect.
Well, I am a little puzzled by this ,to say the least.
Help!!
Well that is rather interesting. The problem with the Digitrax sound decoders was that the processor was not powerful enough to play the horn AND keep calculating the BEMF (which is what CV57 does on them - setting it to 0 turns of BEMF). First time anyoen has mentioned this in relation to Econami though. Have you tried doing a full reset of the decoder to make sure it isn't some strange non-default setting? Reset and try it as address 3 and see if it does the same thing.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Well that is rather interesting. The problem with the Digitrax sound decoders was that the processor was not powerful enough to play the horn AND keep calculating the BEMF (which is what CV57 does on them - setting it to 0 turns of BEMF). First time anyoen has mentioned this in relation to Econami though. Have you tried doing a full reset of the decoder to make sure it isn't some strange non-default setting? Reset and try it as address 3 and see if it does the same thing. --Randy Hi Randy.I have tried to reset on a number of occasions .I tried as address 3 but no change.I notice that the led headlight dims at the same time?Could the motor be drawing too much current? I havent checked this yet.
Hi Randy.I have tried to reset on a number of occasions .I tried as address 3 but no change.I notice that the led headlight dims at the same time?Could the motor be drawing too much current? I havent checked this yet.
That it slows down and the lights dim make it seem like the whole thing is drawing too much power fromt he rails. What DCC system are you using and how is it wired to the track? What about if you hook a short stretch of track up to the DCC system (not part of the layout, just a test track) and try it there, same thing?
I use the NCE system. Standard wiring to the track with feeders every 3/4 feet. None of my other locos have this issue. I already have a seperate programming track . makes no difference though.It looks like the decoder itself may be drawing too much current.?
Peterjh It looks like the decoder itself may be drawing too much current.?
It looks like the decoder itself may be drawing too much current.?
If what you are speculating is that the "decoder itself...[is]...drawing too much current" while, at the same time, the motor does not, then that would mean that the decoders' excess current draw would have to be completely turned into heat in the decoder. And you will likely have a very hot decoder.
Ed
Does this happen everywhere on your layout, or just in some sections? If you're not getting enough power to the locomotive, it could be inadequate feeders, although from your description I'd expect you've got that covered.
How many other engines are active, either running or idling with sound when this happens? I'm wondering if you're approaching the amperage limit on your system. Does your DCC system have an external power supply, and if so, how big is it?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.