Track and electrical/DCC
Kato Unitrack and MTH locos
I recently purchased a MTH HO locomotive and couldn't get it to work with either my DCC controller or a MTH DCS Commander. I could get it to run around the track, but no sound, no smoke. So right now it's back with the retailer for testing.
PECO Sidemount Switch machine power
I am in the process of replacing some HO Atlas remote switches with Peco code 100 in a staging area.
I installed the Peco side mount switch machines. I wired them per the instructions and discovered the switch would only work in one direction. I am using the previous momentary toggle switches used with the Atlas switches.
I talked with the supplier of the Peco switches and he said they need a 16v source putting a minimum of 2 amps to perform.
Constant Lighting Circuit - DC - and Parts Diagram Question
I am not sure if this is being done right, but I have attached a location diagram for the electronic components for a constant lighting circuit (DC) (schematic attached) for installing 3 LEDs in an Athearn 200t Railroad Crane. Could someone take a look at the 2 images and let me know if things look okay, before I warm up my soldering iron?
Siouxlake
Athearn SD40
Hopefully someone out there has installed LEDs in the Athearn SD40s.
I have two that I'm almost finished detailing. While waiting for the dullcote to dry I started to install LEDs for the lights. The decoder I'm using is a TCS T1 as shown on the TCS website. The 1.5 volt lights worked properly prior to removal, but I can't get the LEDs to work. From everything I can understand, there are resistors on the Athearn board, so resistors on the LED installation aren't necessary. The LEDs are 3mm and work fine when tested.
wooden ties
Im making turnouts and wondering where you other hand layers use for your ties. Also how do I make a post how do I get this editer to got to the next line when I press enter? Thanks Dick
Adding a KA-1 to a soundtraxx non sound decoder...MC2H104AT
Hello all.
I am adding a KA-1 to an engine that has been giving me problems. However, the documentation that came with the keep alive is lacking in useful details. I am installing this KA into a soundtraxx non sound decoder MC2H104AT.
I have found a site that details an installation into a sound version of soundtraxx. Would this be the same?
Any help will be very much appreciated. And hopfully, this will take care of the issue.
Enjoy your hollidays.
Jim Lowery
Periodic stopping of BLI SW7 with QSI decoder
I recently got a Broadway Limited SW7 with a QSI sound decoder from an estate sale. The engine stops periodically and starts by its self. The lights stay on so it is not losing contact and is not shorting. The engine stops , the sound slows down, but does not stop and the in several second it will start up again and the engine sound rev up. It is not always at the same place and seems to be independent of the speed. Does this sound like the decoder is on the way out??
Bill Feairheller
salvage track work and turnouts?
Have any of you tried to reuse flextrack and turnouts that have been ballasted? This is higher end track and turnouts (plastic ties) that has been nailed to homasote and then ballasted the usual way. Is there a way of removal that works good? Is it worth the effort? Or is it best to toss the old trackwork in the dumpster and start new? HO scale. Thanks.
how to identify your sound decoder
Gang,
It seems like I am a sucker for cheap stuff... I was at a train show and found an Athearn SD70 with sound for $50. The porch was a little damaged but I think it is an easy fix by installing A-line brass steps.
Well, the engine runs smooth and quiet, so the decoder is just a bonus. It has sound that works, but the wiring job is kinda sloppy. What is the best way to ID the decoder? I ask because before I start removing wires for the purpose of re-wiring, I would like to know what it is and have a schematic on hand.
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