Quote from: WoundedBear on July 05, 2019, 04:01:00 PM
It's DCC "ready" or "equipped" right? Would a bad decoder or loose dummy plug cause an issue like this? I know you run it on DC, but a DCC "equipped" will have it's decoder and a "ready" model will have the dummy plug.

Sid

If either direction works I doubt it's a wiring problem because the motor turns, I don't see how reversing the polarity would change anything.

However, if the loco does have a decoder it may have developed a glitch:  Resetting the decoder to factory settings would probably fix it.


Bill, try taking the loco to a shop with a DCC system.  In most decoders, programing CV8 to 8 will initiate the reset.


Otherwise there may be a mechanical explanation, perhaps something has come loose or broken off and is now rubbing against a gear?

Quote from: dutchbuilder on July 04, 2019, 06:03:27 PM
A standard LED is 1.5 V 20 mA.

Ton

Yes, but are these ones standard?

I'm curious what voltage the Porters use for their LEDs.

The PCB attached to the decoder doesn't have any resistors that I recognize, but I could be mistaken since I don't know a lot about components.

Are the LEDs 12 volt?

The former has a sound decoder and speaker pre-installed, the latter has a standard DCC decoder pre-installed and won't make any noises aside from the motor and gearing.

There's also a third category called 'DCC Sound On Board' which has more options than the Sound Value series.


Bachmann uses 'dual mode' decoders that will run on both DC (analog) and DCC (digital) controlled layouts, but you need to apply about 5 volts in DC mode for the decoder to wake up and pass the voltage to the motor.

Does this happen with other locomotives using the same controller?

Quote from: dutchbuilder on June 13, 2019, 03:07:53 PM
When you are going to run on DC be aware that the locomotive will start only after the operating voltage of the electronics has been reached.
Normally 5 Volts.

A much more economical solution is to look for a good second hand DC 2-6-0 and do the amputation..... conversion yourself to a 0-6-0 as it is the same model with some minor modifications.

Ton

I've modified a few analog 2-6-0s:  The front wheels are held on by a single screw, and ShapeWays sells a 3D-Printed yard pilot that looks similar to the 0-6-0 and will accept a working coupler.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/JCFH643CR/on30-bachmann-2-6-0-replacement-pilot?optionId=61800366

It means that a DCC decoder can be installed if you want.

The general definition is that the motor is already electrically isolated from the frame, and it could also mean that the model may even have a plug for super easy installation.

The best way to fix this is to add a second power connection opposite of the powered rerailer.  (I assume you're using the E-Z track that came with the set.)

You'll need another powered rerailer track section and two extra connection wires to go between the two rerailers.


You'll also need to solder or otherwise rig the wires together on the ends that are supposed to go to the controller.  If the train doesn't work, unplug one of the new power connectors and turn it over to correct the short.

The wires are made of copper which conducts power much better than the rails, and will make up for the power loss over the rail length.

There are guides online for removing the shell to install DCC decoders in these models.

Here are some I've used:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/mogul_dcc/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtWmqzWXH-8

Are you setting your tester for DC or AC?

DCC uses a digital wave form that mimics AC.

My math says that's nearly half an inch larger than the prototype.

Close enough for me.  Thank you. 

I'm building an On30 Porter tender and would like it to have spoked wheels, the Thomas line looks like a good source.

I need the wheels to be 24" in 1:48 scale, are there any wagon or coach wheels that might be large enough?

Quote from: Fish on February 05, 2019, 12:43:32 PM
Is there any concern if the bus wires touch or do they need to be separated a certain distance. 

My layout actually uses lamp wire for the bus, I don't have issues with cross-talk.

And the rails aren't spaced very far apart either, you shouldn't need to worry.

Bachmann's 'Sound Ready' locos such as the DCC 2-6-0s do have speakers, but do not come with the sound module.

If you already have an analog 2-6-0, it's possible to install a Tsunami 2 sound decoder and a speaker, I've done it using this guide.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/mogul_dcc/


It's also possible to upgrade an analog 2-6-0 leaving the tender bare, Soundtraxx's 810112 speaker is just the right size to fit in the rectangular hole at the back of the cab.

You presumed correctly, the sound module goes into the tender of the 2-6-0s with DCC pre-installed.  (And they will run on analog layouts as well.)

The analog-only 2-6-0s are not compatible with the drop-in sound module in any way.


I'm not seeing part 73339 though, did you mean 44957?