Ted S posted:You know there's another option here... "Band-aid"-ing the problem for sure, but consider:
I'm not an EE, but I can tell you that reconnecting your motors in SERIES instead of parallel will reduce your current consumption by half. It'll also allow you to use more of the throttle range, and increase smoke output (if your loco is so equipped.) Most folks are still happy with the top speed after this popular modification. It's certainly easier to execute than changing components on the PCB's, and you'll get improved performance from your loco in the bargain.
This works well for most locos and most layouts it does limit the max power output of the motors. If you have a loco with twin motors that is capable of pulling 40 average freight cars on level track. This may limit the max number to 25 ~30. Hardly a problem for most of us, me included. However in this case I think that Ralph may have problem in his TAS SAW board or a motor gone bad. That is something none of us hit upon yet. I think the first thing I would do is disconnect each motor from the harness and hook a DC source to each individually and see that they run approximately the same RPM on the same voltage. It is possible to scorch or have an open winding without completely killing the motor and it will run but pull a good bit more current. So Ralph before you start pulling parts off your SAW board it is easy enough to make this check of your motors. Sorry I did not mention this yesterday. Once you have diagnosed and repaired your problem Teds suggestion does have merit. j
