DCC - Electrical

Athearn Mikado shorts with decoder but runs fine on DC

I have several Athearn Mikados and all ran fine when my layout was DC only. I recently converted all of them to DCC by installing TCS T1s but one loco's wheels are shorted when the decoder is installed. I swapped out decoders to verify all work properly, but this one pesky loco has me baffled. If I pull the decoder and put the dummy back in the loco runs fine, but put any decoder in and it shorts out.

Has anyone experienced this problem before? Anything I should look for when I disassemble this loco?

1st time installing DCC decoder

Hi Guys,

I'm installing NCE decoders in my Atlas MP-15s. The locos are DCC ready and equipped with LEDs.

Do I need to install resistors for the LEDs? or Are they already on the circut board?

Thanks

Scott

Joe Baldwin's picture

DCC Futures

The super terriffic Lenz 23151 seems to have disappeared, back-ordered seemingly everywhere and the LZV200 is but a phantom.  X posted

The only comparable alternatives seem to be Roco Z21 and the ECOS 50200.

Looking at the Roco Z21 I am impressed.  Are there any US dealers or distributors?  

MRC prodigy works intermittently HO scale

I have an MRC Prodigy advance squared and it is working intermittently. Sometimes I have to turn it off and on a couple of times before the controller works. I have a PC connection and it has the same issue. Even when I get it working, the system loses contact with the trains sometimes. I am wondering if the problem is my layout size. I have a 9x22 layout, double track main with a fiddle yard. Any thoughts? Do I need a power booster and if so, which one?

TXTrainGuy's picture

Resuming the hobby...

Hi All,

After being on a hiatus for the past couple of years, I'm looking to resume where I left off.  The reason for putting a hold on the hobby is due to my being laid off, and with the hobby being as expensive as it is, I just didn't have the budget.  However, I'm glad to say that I've been working now for the past year or so, and I've come to a point where I'd like to resume where I left off.

Track Design Software

Hello All,

First post for me, and I am seeking a bit of design advice. Which track layout software does everyone use and why? I work on a PC platform, could use MAC if required. From looking at everyone's layout, they have modeled in several different programs. I have found a few, some are a bit more daunting than others.

Run away decoder

It seems that I have an engine that cannot be contolled by the throttle.  I think it has been somehow set to DC.  My question is, how do you reprogram the decoder back to DCC?  As soon as the engine is put on the track it takes off at high speed.  

Joe Baldwin's picture

My Latest Automation project status

Under construction, my Bachmann Trade Tower has some 60 LED's controlled by two Arduino Pro Mini microprocessors. One processor controls the the 13 story floor lights in a random pattern simulating movement of people within the building.  The other processor has a customized Geoff Bunza DCC decoder to control the upper corner lights and the mezzanine lights as well as the to be added Television tower on the top which will have blinking red LEDs.  

 

Thanks to Geoff Bunza for his excellent how to models.

rickwade's picture

Your opinion please - (Decided!) - placement of Tam Valley's Singlet(tm) turnout controls

** UPDATE 12-31-15  I decided to recess mount the turnout controls in the foam top of my layout.  Thanks to all for your input and suggestions.  You can see a video about the fabrication and installation HERE.

 

Hello all!  I'm asking your advice on the placement of Tam Valley Depot's "Singlet" turnout control panels on my layout.  Here's a picture of the control panel (from Tam Valley's documentation):


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