DCC - Electrical

BLI Paragon decoder replacement issues 2-8-2 static

Hello - I replaced the factory decoder in a BLI Paragon/2 2-8-2 with a LokSound V5 programmable decoder. I programmed the engine and it runs superbly (my experience with all LokSound decoders). The problem is there is static when the motor is activated. I believe this is caused by interference within the motor, which I don't want to bother replacing. I can't return the engine at this point nor would I get anything on ebay (I tried). All my engines have LokSound so I'm not entirely thrilled with going a different route. Thoughts/Options?

Low Temp Solder Experiments

After having read about the marvels of low temp solder in a couple MRH-RE columns (https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/running-extra/2021-10/ah-ha...) I've been looking forward to trying it for myself.  I ordered a new iron (Hakko FX888D) to replace my ancient weller, and I ordered a couple types of low temp solder from Digikey:

Digitrax UT6D

Digitrax UT6D Throttle. 

 

I have a UT6D that I have used about 9 months now, It worked perfectly for 5 to 6 months then I noticed on occasion when turning the speed knob it would either return to zero or may jump ahead several numbers. This happened a few times and now it has become more and more the norm, Of course when it returns to zero the train stops and when it jumps ahead the train speeds up a great deal. It does tis no matter the locomotive and does it on battery power or if it is plugged in. 

 

Jeff

DrDuino

Has anyone ordered and used the DrDuino model railroad kit thats being advertised in the links??.  if you have ..is it semi easy to follow and understand??   My cousin is interested in learning about Adruinos for his small layout.  ive tried to teach him.....but im not much of a teacher.   Hes not a MRH member.  Been trying to get him to join.    

railandsail's picture

Soldering No-Ox treated track

I just finished attaching all my feeder wires to the 4 individual buss wires coming into my helix space. And I cleaned all the track with mineral spirits and extremely fine emery type sandpaper.

My thoughts are this is a good time to apply some No-Ox to the tracks in the helix, and leave it set for a week or so before wiping if off (BTW I do know the caution about applying it lightly). My question is if I should eventually decide to put additional feeder wires on some of the track sections, how difficult is it to solder track that's been treated with No-Ox ??

railandsail's picture

DC wiring test verses DCC final wiring

I've been finishing up my buss and feeder wiring of the lower deck of my layout (and by extension the external helix structure).
 

soundtraxx econami onboard led

Hello all,

Is there a way to disable to onboard LED on a soundtraxx econami decoder via CV setting somewhere?  The light is visible how I have the decoder mounted.  And, no, remounting it is not practical. 

If not, any suggestions how to turn it off?  Ideas coming to mind include burning the LED off with a soldering iron or covering it with black tape.

Thanks in advance 

MikeHughes's picture

Bowser Executive MLW 630 / Loksound V5 Grade Crossing and Ditch Light Programming

I got this locomotive a couple of weeks ago and generally love it.  The paint is lovely, it sounds decent and runs really well.  I often chased BCR trains along Highway 97 as a young guy running empty home in my pilot car (a college summer job that paid decent and got me on every highway in BC).  The line became a favourite.

Cheap Multimeter reviewed by a friend.

I guess I am biased once in a while.  I think that doing DCC without a multimeter is like walking in the dark in the woods at night with no moon.  If it beeps, even softly, tells me when the wire is connected, tells me that I’ve got power, tells me how many ohms an unreadable resistor is, or checks to see if I’ve burned out an LED, then I could be happy.  If it costs one tenth of what mine cost maybe it could make someone else happy too.

Eric H.'s picture

What's on Your Workbench - November 2021

The days are shorter and the lawn doesn't need as much attention. You have time again for layout and workbench projects! Share notes and photos on your current workbench and layout projects!

Eric

 

Eric Hansmann
Contributing Editor, Model Railroad Hobbyist

Follow along with my railroad modeling:
http://designbuildop.hansmanns.org/


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