OffTheRails

Thanks guys. I used and NCE Power cab and read the Manufacturer ID and decoder type in program mode. The decoder was then tested using the ESU decoder tester. I attempted to run the train in operation mode. Back to the drawing board! OTR

I have recently attempted to fit decoders to DCC ready Bachmann Branchline locos, a six pin and 8 pin decoder. The decoder was a reputable brand and fully tested before the installation, the locos were both new and operated in DC mode. On installation the decoders read back to the control unit but failed to operate the loco. Has anyone had similar experiences or perhaps can make suggestions as to my problem?

I have used a Digitrax PM 42 for power protection for power districts and reverse section control. By resetting Op switches you can adjust the trip current to suit your condition (its pre-set at 3 amp, but adjusts between 1.5 amp and 12 amps). The Digitrax AR1 is also a very good (and cheap) 'stand alone' unit which uses a simple screw arrangement to adjust the current levels. The trip current can be set between .25 amps and 8 amps. Digitrax also offer good technical support on their website.

Post Script..... I found the offending connection, which I isolated by sheathing the motor terminal and spade bit with heat shrink insulation. Luckily for me I had cut one of the insulated joints that I had made in the track connection wire a little too short which resulted in a failed connection that saved the decoder! I am going to buy lottery ticket whilst my luck is still good!

Thanks for the advice....key point being, I won't do this again! But I will check the left motor terminal, the spade connector is short has it fell apart during removal and I soldered on a connection. Cheers OTR

Thanks for the reply. I will re-check for other connections and test comms on the program track. Cheers OTR.

Hello, this is my first post so if it is the wrong topic, or in wrong location or simply a dumb question I apologise. I am fitting a Digitrax DH166 to an old Hornby Diesel, which has a ringfield motor....and the installation hasn't gone according to plan. The motor was recently cleaned serviced and tested successfully. The design of the motor connection and pick-up appears to be rear bogie is the left rail connection and front bogie is right rail connection. The connection from the right rail appears to be made to the rear half of the motor body, which has two connections, one to a terminal on the front of the motor (left), and the other to a diode and wheat grain bulb for the head lamp. The connections to the right side of the motor terminal come from the rear bogie which has two connections, one connected to the motor and the other to the wheat grain bulb. Both motor connections appear to be connected to a capacitor. The connections were confirmed with a multi-meter. My work to date has involved removing the wheat bulb and diode and replacing with the bulb with an LED, connected to the blue and white wire from the decoder. I have removed the capacitor between the motor terminals. Connections from the rear bogie have been connected together and then to the black wire on the decoder, the connections from the motor body have been connected together and onto the red wire on the decoder. The motor terminals have been connected to orange and grey wires on the decoder. Images below show the motor, the picture on the right shows the connection to the motor body. Sadly when placed on the track and energised the loco did nothing, no smoke or pops from the decoder either. I ran the speed up to max and didn't even get a hum.... and the LED didn't work. Does anyone have any suggestions on which way to go now? Truly.....Off The Rails

And look.....I posted twice!

Train, engine, locomotive, loco.....they all look pretty cool rumbling gently through a landscape, or running smoothly over points Thanks for the great tip! OTR

Train, engine, locomotive, loco.....they all look pretty cool rumbling gently through a landscape, or running smoothly over points Thanks for the great tip! OTR

Congratulations on your fine work, it looks almost livable

Thanks for your advice everyone, the problem was with the connection of my device. I uninstalled and reinstalled the Z21 App and configured it to talk to the DR5000, and...............success! Smasher you are right, Rudysmodelrailway is an excellent tutorial on the Digikeijs products. Cheers OTR.

Hi, This maybe a little off topic, but since you are working with Digikeijs detection...you must have it operational- which is currently beyond me and I am looking for some pointers. I have the DR5000 connected to my PC and am operating trains, but my problem lies in getting the system to work with any mobile devices using the Z21 mobile app. I have activated and connected the mobile devices to the DR5000, using the IP defined in the Wifi window, and have activated the Z21 protocol through the LAN port. With the Z21 I have set up the DR5000 IP in the App settings and have set up a train in the Vehicles window, but when I go to test or drive the train via the z21.....nothing Would you have any recommendations or suggestions of checks or fault finding processes to follow. Thanks OTR