Sometimes when I get bored working on my models I'll place my thumb
on my workbench, take a hammer and whack it real hard, just to see If
I can make a thumbprint impression. Other times I grab the tip of my
soldering iron to see if it really is hot. This past week I thought up
a new joyous pastime.
I've decided I need to install Soundtraxx's new Tsunami's in my
Pittman powered brass steam locomotives and go all DCC. In my case
that would be the NYC Niagara, UP 4-8-4, SP Daylight, C&O Allegheny,
and a couple of others. Joy for joy, what fun I've had. Now I'm aware
that every electronic device comes with just so much smoke inside, and
if you let all the smoke out it's all over for that device. These
devices sure don't have much smoke! I smoked off the first one I
installed and these decoders cost over a hundred dollars each. Kiss
that 100$ goodbye.
I then did what I should have done in the beginning. Isn't that
typical of the male ego? I hooked up my Fluke 87 multimeter and
checked the following: The starting current, the low RPM running
current, the high RPM running current, and finally I ran each one up
against the bumper and let the wheels spin. (My completely finished
layout is only 54" long and has no curves).
I learned a lot, for me anyway. The start current came out to
0.850 + Amps on all of them. The low RPM current was around 0.600 +
Amps, the high RPM current was around 0.400 + Amps but dropped a
little as the motor warmed up. The final test was to run the model up
against the bumper and apply the full 12 volts and let the wheels
spin. They all had current draws around 1.200 to 1.300 Amps.
What this means to me is, I need to find a different path to going
DCC and sound in these engines. I just don't think the Tsunami is
really going to work. Please, prove me wrong, or steer me in another
direction. I had planned on installing the decoders, utilizing the 4
function out puts for all the trick lighting effects. Things like
headlights, number board/train indicator lights, and firebox flicker.
What I found out is, once all of this was installed and I rolled up
the throttle, it got quiet for a second, and then poooof , no more
decoder. It is possible that my lighting effects forced the decoder
over the limit. I'll recheck that after I go smack my thumb for good
measure.
I then checked my newer River Raisin models built by Boo Rim
Precision. HmmmmmmÂ…Â… The start, low RPM, high RPM, and the rammed
against the bumpers never exceeded 0.600 Amps. The low RPM was around
0.300 Amps. I'm convinced it is because Dan insisted that Boo Rim
install the Maxon motor instead of the Pittman. Pittman's are
excellent motors but I now think I need a bunch of Maxon motors for a
major rebuild program.
I would have checked some diesels but I was forced to sell them
awhile back to fund the steam purchase program.
Rusty (J. Rustermier)
------------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links
<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/
<*> Your email settings:
Individual Email | Traditional
<*> To change settings online go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join
(Yahoo! ID required)
<*> To change settings via email:
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
