12-17-2012, 03:04 PM
Is this independently happening to both NCE decoders, or one of them? What happens if only the NCE locos (or one of them) is on the layout on it's own?
It almost sounded like a DCC system overload, too many locos on the tracks for your DCC system to handle, but what brand locos are they?
I had a problem with an NCE equipped loco myself recently, in an Atlas loco, the advise I was given was: "Something that is notorious on Atlas engines is the contact strip the axle ends run in. Oils tend to leach out to that location and build up in the journal making an excellent insulator ! Pop off the bottom cover of the trucks, remove the side frames and wheel sets. Wipe the axle ends with a clean rag - you'll be surprised what comes off. Then use some round toothpicks to ream out the bronze journal bushings. Make sure they are clean.
If you have your engine tore down to do this step, it's also a good idea to solder the truck wires to that bronze strip as well. The same oils that leach out to the journals will also create an insulation between the wire as well. Those black plastic clips are a poor excuse for a good electrical connection."
Perhaps you have a similar problem?
What DCC system are you using? An NCE system can also show current draw in the display, perhaps give that a go?
Koos
-
It almost sounded like a DCC system overload, too many locos on the tracks for your DCC system to handle, but what brand locos are they?
I had a problem with an NCE equipped loco myself recently, in an Atlas loco, the advise I was given was: "Something that is notorious on Atlas engines is the contact strip the axle ends run in. Oils tend to leach out to that location and build up in the journal making an excellent insulator ! Pop off the bottom cover of the trucks, remove the side frames and wheel sets. Wipe the axle ends with a clean rag - you'll be surprised what comes off. Then use some round toothpicks to ream out the bronze journal bushings. Make sure they are clean.
If you have your engine tore down to do this step, it's also a good idea to solder the truck wires to that bronze strip as well. The same oils that leach out to the journals will also create an insulation between the wire as well. Those black plastic clips are a poor excuse for a good electrical connection."
Perhaps you have a similar problem?
What DCC system are you using? An NCE system can also show current draw in the display, perhaps give that a go?
Koos
-
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