Spectrum SD45-2 Cleared for take-off

[onetrack64]

I just got done decodering my Spectrum SD45-2. When I ran it, the thing sounded like a small plane taxi-ing down the runway! It did soften slightly with a few laps.

Has anybody else had this happen? And what did you do to fix the problem? I have a Spectrum 3-Truck Shay that is almost soundless by comparison.

[tstage]

onetrack64.

First, you need to check to see if the particular decoder you installed in your SD45-2 is considered "silent-running". Some are silent; some are not. I have a "non-silent" decoder in my Proto 2000 S1. It "growls" when idling or a very low speed.

Here's a link for Tony's Train Exchange "Decoder Comparison Matrix":

http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm

About two-thirds the way across is a column entitled, "silent". If the cell has an "X" inside the box, it's a quiet decoder. If it's blank, it's not.

If it's a silent-running decoder and still makes the noise, I thought I heard that you could tweak the BEMF (Back EMF) CV on your decoder and that might quiet it down? Not 100% sure on that completely though.

Let us know what you find out...

Tom

[onetrack64]

I had a Digitrax DH123 chip and a TCS harness handy. So in it went...after I spent 15 minutes trying to get the shell off!

[tstage]

onetrack64.

I didn't see a listing for the DH123 but most of the Digitrax decoders listed were considered "silent". I believe that this is one of the older Digitrax decoders that was replaced by the DH163 - I think. Perhaps one of the DCC gurus, like Randy, can chime in and shed some light on this.

onetrack64, I forgot to mention. When I discovered that my S1 decoder wasn't silent, I was bummed about it at first. Then, it occurred to me that it made the little switcher sound kinda tough and more convincing: "Diesels are supposed to make noise, right?" Hasn't really bothered my since...[:)]

Does your 3-truck Shay also have the DH123 decoder in it?

Tom

[onetrack64]

Tom,

I forget offhand what I used in the Shay. And the decoder is probably a DH123D, it only had "DH123" printed on the blue over-wrap.

I haven't tied a load on the back yet...but I get the impression it is a strong puller.

[tstage]

onetrack64,

If that's the case then...according to the chart, the DH123D is silent. Well, I'm outta ammunition. Maybe someone else can take a pot shot at your problem. I'll be curious to find out what it is...

Tom

[Anonymous]

Hi there! First off, your DH123 decoder is a silent runner. It does not have back EMF! The DH123 replaces the DH121 decoder in the Digitrax line. Not the DH 163. That is a different animal altogether!
Now, to the Spectrum. As you have discovered, Spectrum Steam and Spectrum Diesel have vastly different running characteristics. Steam good, Diesel bad. I have found that to get a Spectrum Diesel running the way you want it to, You have to start at square 1.
Remove the shell. If you can, dissasemble the chassis to remove the trucks, drive shafts etc.. Examine everything for factory lube buildup. Clean everything as best you can and relube with a light plastic compatible oil. LaBelle comes to mind. Take care to lube all the bearing points in the drive system. Where the shafts come out of the motor, they pass thru bearings. These are notorious for drying out and making noise. Check the worm gears for fit and again check the bearings. Check the truck gears for burrs. In short, take a tour of the innards of your locomotive and make sure all is as it should be. This is very much like what you would do to an Athearn BB locomotive. A little work will give you a decent running locomotive not to mention the experience you'll get at trouble shooting loco problems. Good Luck!

[onetrack64]

Thanks alot you two!

I had problems with my shay when I first ran it. And I did what you said...I tore it apart until I found out what the problem was. I never thought I would tear apart a loco like that, but I did. Something just came over me and I just sorta went at it. Looks like I'll have to do it again.

I guess as long as Bachmann doesn't put "Ready to Run" on the box, we have to leave them alone.[:D]