Track and electrical/DCC
Anybody done the setup for a Tsunami 1 on a ProtThrottle?
While I have a couple of LokSound locos I also have some TSU1 locos. I am just now contemplating setting them up for my PT. Any tips would be welcome
BEWARE: short address is 0 to 127 and those numbers do not work as long addresses
As of June 19 2018 I changed the title as addresses problems had nothing to do with Kato and everyting to do with short vs long address confusion.
I just bought the KATO SD 90/43 SLRG #115 and #116. They work in DC mode. Using a Digitrax DH126PS the decoder can have its long address changed. When on a Run track the locomotive does not respond at all - no lights, no movement. Taking the decoder out and putting it in another locomotive the decoder works fine.
TRACK & FLUCTUATING TEMPERATURES
Any of us could have the best temperature and humidity controls in the room with our layout, but there would still be some contraction & expansion over time.
How do you allow for the expansion and contraction of track on your layout over time? Do you cut gaps in the rail? Do you put expansion joints in your benchwork?
Anything else you do to compensate for track expansion & contraction?
Digitrax/JMRI/WiThrottle server/ProtoThrottle brake issues
One of the two locos (both LokSound micros) I have set up on the ProtpThrottle always starts up with the brake set. I can't release it with the PT. I suspect this is a Digitrax issue but I don't know how to fix it. I can use my DT402 and release the brake and run the loco. I shut down the loco with ALL the functions OFF.
HO scale spikes
I'm finally running out of spikes and need to replenish my supplies. But I'm running into a problem. The ones I was using were .300" and .333" long - about 5/16" and 9/32". The only spikes I can find that list the sizes are ME spikes, and they have 3/8" and 1/4" sizes with nothing in between. The 3/8" ones look way too big, and the 1/4" bend if you look at them wrong, and they look a little too small to me.
If anyone knows where I can get the 5/16" or 9/32" spikes, please let me (and others) know. Thanks.
Looking at getting soldering paste
I've been looking at purchasing soldering paste for a bit for trackwork (joiners, handlaid switches, etc.). My current go-to is rosin-core 63/37, 0.015" diameter, from Kester. It works fine on DCC installs and circuit boards, but it's pretty poor at putting together rails. Any advice? What's your favorite type?
Bluetooth controller for Engine Driver app
Steve Todd, Mr Engine Driver, has done it again! The latest version of Engine Driver includes the ability to use a small Bluetooth controller to operate your locomotives. I've been using Engine Driver for years and this ability is the greatest improvement to the app to date. The following short video I made shows how it works...
The controller is recharged via USB. Here is the controller...
Wye and reverse loop question
Hi guys I am looking to start building a outdoor O gauge layout. Nothing fancy just two big loops on each end for non stop running. My question is where I put the wye in-line with the mainline, how do I automate ie hands off, the wye so that the wye will switch by itself and remain in that position until the train comes back to the wye and goes back through the wye without derailing. So basically when the train comes in the first time it goes in one direction and as the train exits the wye it pushes the rails over to the other side and then when the train comes back it wil
ProtoThrottles starting to ship
For those interested, I thought I would share a few assembly photos of ProtoThrottles which are starting to ship.
After we ship all the pre-order throttles we will open up the store again for anyone who might want to purchase for the second batch. Our dealers, Caboose and Spring Creek Model Trains, will also have some inventory this summer.
We greatly appreciate all the support and interest. Happy 4th! :)
Micro Engineering Ladder System Code 70 now available?
I just saw an ad that ME Code 70 Ladder System is now available. Of course my jaw dropped...
Where is it? Who carries it?
...and my obligatory
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