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Hello All;

I am hoping someone can help me with some issues I am having with my MTH DCS system. I am running a Z-4000 transformer going through a TIU and WIU and controlled with an apple mini pad.

The issues I am having:

  1. This has happened about 15 times. When running an engine (sometimes in lash up) I will increase the speed and all of a sudden the train will take off in full speed and the only way to stop it is to shut off the transformer. This also happens when blowing the horn. Note in a lash up only one engine will take off leaving a big derailment.
  2. This has happened about four times. I will be running the trains for about 3 or 4 minutes and all of a sudden I hear some cab chatter from an engine not activated sitting on a spur and the it will take off at full speed plowing into whatever train is in its path.

Anyone else had an issue like these? Thanks Arnold

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Arnoldoo posted:

The runaway has been in both a lash-up and single unit. I will try the factory rest an all the engines in the lash up. Thanks

I think I would try to get the engine to behave as a single unit before using it in a lash-up.  One thing you might want to check out is.......Is there continuity between the center rail rollers.  Are they all picking up power? It doesn't take much for the engine to drop into conventional if only one set of rollers is working..... Does the engine start up in neutral in conventional mode (no dcs?) or does it immediately take off.

The engine I am having the most issues with is a RailKing 4-6-6-4 30-1625-1 with PS-3 and I bought it new, not used. I did notice that it does NOT have a dcs/dcc switch on it as the owners manual shows that it should (see pictures). So to answer the questions:

1. Is there continuity between the center rail rollers.  Are they all picking up power? I believe it is or it would not run. Not sure how to test this.

2. Does the engine start up in neutral in conventional mode (no dcs?) or does it immediately take off. It starts up in neutral then shifts normally (forward neutral reverse etc.)

3.Have you been using the PFA button ? No, I have not.

Thanks Arnold

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1. Is there continuity between the center rail rollers.  Are they all picking up power? I believe it is or it would not run. Not sure how to test this.

Actually the engine will run with only one set of rollers, just not very well.  

Here's an easy test,, Place a piece of tape about 3 inches long on the center rail and park one set of rollers on it. If the other set of rollers is working (picking up power) the engine should receive power, Repeat with other set.

Another test,,,   This one is battery or  capacitor  related ....  Start up the engine for a minute or so and then kill the track power, the engines sounds should continue on for at least 5 or 6 seconds with no track power, If not something amiss.

I would also have feeders to both outside rail either with another lock on or jumper wire solder to each outside rail.

Good luck.

OK, I checked the power to the center rollers by placing blue tape on the front roller, it ran just fine. Then placed blue tape on both rollers, did not run at all then blue tape on rear roller and ran just fine. I don't believe that there is any issue with the pickup rollers.

When the engine power is turned off it still plays sound for a for about 5 seconds.

I have set the track with power supplied about every 3 feet or so with a lock ons or soldered wires underneath, I have also activated both of the outer rails with power as well.

Interesting enough I did find a small dead track 4 1/4" long as I was running the train real slow, it shut down as soon as both rollers were on it as the rollers were 4" apart.

 

Thanks

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