I have a DCC system that trains will be running and have a temporary short, turns off then back on, this seams to happen on and arround a couple of swirtches. I have changed the switches and I am at a lose as to what would be the cause. Really could use some ideas on finding a solution to this big little problem.
This is an HO system with Digitrax as the operating system. The track is flex trackand the switches are brand ???. The engines are Wathers Proto 200 SD7/9. Hope thisinfo helps in solving the problem
Switches are either Atlas or Tyco #6. Feeder wires are about ever 6 feet. The train will run around the track a couple times then stop, usualy in the same switch or same spot. I have a second train a Atlas 40 that runs just fine.
My layout is about 16 x 16 with two complete loops (east bound/west bound) they do have sross over ponts and passing tracks. The problem seams to only be in a couple spots mainly 2 switches.
Are the frogs of the switches insulated or powered?
If powered and you have no power connected to the frogs, the locos may stop short, not getting any power.
What # size are the switches? The larger the switch number the larger the frog and the more trouble it can cause you.
just
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Where and how many track feeder wires do you have on this layout ? It sounds like a feeder wire pair may be connected backwards causing a phase shift at the turnouts.
What brand and type of turnouts are they? I know you put a quesiton mark on the brand, but this may be critical information for diagnosing the problem -- Peco Insulfrog or Electrogrog,; Atlas; Shinohara; Walthers; Roco; etc.
DCC systems react quicker when they detect a short circuit condition and will shut down the power until it is corrected. I also have Digitrax and it does this on most of my N scale Atlas and Peco insulfrog switches as well as on my clubs HO layout. The rails on the frog are too close together at the back end of the frog and loco wheels as well as some metal wheels on cars will bridge the two rails of different polarity and cause a quick short that your system detects. It didn't do this when I was running with DC. I use a small dab of Nailpolish to extend the insulation on the frog which eliminates this problem somewhat.
The brand is either Tyco or Altas. The feeder wires are about every 6 feet. The train will run OK for a couple rounds then stop, usu;y on the same switch or place. I ahve a cesond train thea is an atlas 40 it runs just fine
Hi PP,
Merry Christmas and welcome.
Your Bo-Bo Atlas 40 (Geep?) runs ok, your Co-Co SD35 is causing problems crossing pointwork. Ok check your wheels for alinement and gauge and the points and track for any kinks or twisting. One of my E units drove me nuts stopping just over the same frog time and again, could'nt figure it out. I took the b/shell off, stripped both boggies, carefully, and all looked ok, so I put it all back together, gave it a run without the shell for a better look. It ran great, don't know what I did but it 's still going ok 15yrs on. So take easy, don't loose yer rag, this here hobbies fun. They say.
All the best for the Newyear.
Be in touch.
pick.