Track and electrical/DCC

micro engineering code 70 vs code 83?

I am looking for any input... pros, cons etc based on opinions and or experience on using Micro engineering code 70 vs code 83 in HO scale, as well as perhaps any other code 83 brand..

LPS L1's picture

Loksound in a Bachmann 44 tonner - Success!

[Edited 10/28/16]

I recently purchased a Loksound micro loaded with the dual caterpillar sound set, along with a TCS KA 4 for installation in a Bachmann 44 ton locomotive.

After considerable hassle, the decoder and Keep - Alive work together satisfactorily.

I most certainly will not be installing more Loksound decoders in my roster

-Skoti

train sparks when running on track

ok so i have a standard oval layout using life like power loc track i have one powered terminal rerailer curve track piece on each side of the track for a total of 2 powered terminal track pieces. i did this because the track wasnt getting enough power now for some odd reason when ever i run the train aka the engine be it diesel or steam loco's i see spars coming from either the track or wheels cant be to sure any idea whats causing this and should i be worried?

IAISfan's picture

Ditch light LED resistance in Loksound Select Directs?

I'm installing my first-ever LEDs, and my first-ever ditch lights (surface-mount 0402s), using Big Al Mayo's Monster LEDs.  These first 5 installs are using Loksound Select 4 Aux decoders, but I hope to use the built-in resistance on Loksound Select Direct decoders in the rest of the fleet, so I'd like them all to be similar in brightness.

Bad electrical contacts happen to real trains too

Looks like getting good electrical contact can be a problem in real railroads as well. Here in the North Bay, we are anticipating the beginning of commuter rail service on the new Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) system. It looks like the service will not meet the "late 2016" launch date due to malfunctioning signals. Why?

Here is a quote from The Argus Courrier:

"In SMART’s case, the problem is thought to be related to the cars not making proper contact with the rails, Rabbitt said.

traintalk's picture

Tortoise wiring

I was reading some other posts about wiring and I was wondering if anyone else uses Bullet Splices to connect wiring.

I wire up my Tortoise switch machine at my work bench and crimp on the female Bullet Splice. I then install the Tortoise under my layout. I drop down the wires from the track and frog, crimp on the male Bullet Splice, and simply plug the two together.

I then use my tester to make sure the crimp has a good electrical connection. No soldering under the layout, simply crimp, plug and play.

Iphone Speakers for Steam Engines - Question

I know some people prefer the iPhone speakers to use in steam engines for DCC sound.

Is there any version of the speakers which are better than others. Such as the speaker for an

iPhone 4S vs iPhone 6S. And where is a good place to buy them.

Also what are you using for a speaker enclosure.

Is there anything I need to know about wiring them?

NCE PowerCab Help

Folks;

I have 2 NCE PowerCab systems.  I am thinking of purchasing an NCE SB-5 unit to give me a bit more amperage.

  Here is the meat of the matter, Can I use the PowerCab panel mount and run each one to each of the SB5 connectors, thus giving me 4 connections for throttles.  I know that by using the coiled 4 wire cord, it will turn the throttle into a standard PRO CAB.  I guess i do not want to spend the extra 35-45 $ for 2 UTP panels if the units that came with the PowerCab will work just fine.

 

 

need help powering my track

ok so i have a standard oval layout with life like power lock track the pic above is a picture of the terminal track i use to power the track. any how i need to ad a second terminal track because when the train engine gets to the back hand curve it starts to slow down as if its not getting enough power. so i have 2 questions

Angled joints?

The "sound thread" that is going on right now got me thinking... This idea applies to anyone building a railroad after the mid-70's at my guess when continuous welded rail started being used. My planned layout during the period modeled had some tracks with welded, and some with stick rail. Some with one side continuous, and the other not updated yet. (offering a unique modeling opportunity)


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