Ya, normally when I install a decoder, the first thing I do is put it on the programming track and try to read back a CV. If it doesn't work, I know something is wrong. Programming tracks normally don't have enough power to 'fry' a decoder, which is I why I try it on the programming track first.
Any time you mess around with wheels, you should check the gauge. Even if it didn;t short, it would have derailed rather quickly with the wheels pushed all the way in.
I'm not sure how a short across the rails can smoke a decoder though. The way decoders smoke is when the motor leads cross connect to the track power. A short on the rails just means no power is going to the decoder at all.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
cacole This seems to really have little to do with installing decoders but more than adequate warning about replacing wheel sets. Checking the wheel spacing with an NMRA guage could have caught this problem before the locomotive was placed on the track.
This seems to really have little to do with installing decoders but more than adequate warning about replacing wheel sets.
Checking the wheel spacing with an NMRA guage could have caught this problem before the locomotive was placed on the track.
Right now all I can figure out is the DCC controller should have indicated a short. Seems to have nothing to do with the decoder. I know I must be missing something.
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.
I am surprised the DCC controller did not detect that first and warn the OP. Purpose of the programming track. Happened to me with a similar issue and the NCE Power Cab warned me. I had inadvertently switched the red and orange leads. No decoder damage.
That's not so much a caution on installing decoders, but installing replacement gear axles. You should always verify your engine performs properly BEFORE you even install a decoder.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Hello everyone. I recently installed a TCS decoder in an old Proto GP-18. After taking all the precuations I placed the locomotive on the programming track and went about reading the decoder. Then poof! The magic smoke came out. After lots of checking I discovered that the new wheelsets I purchased because of cracked gears were causing a short. It appears the axle ends were touching inside the gear. So if you are replacing your wheel sets make sure you check that your wheels are not causing a dead short.I learned the hard way.
Thanks
CN1762