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I could use some suggestions on this. I just completed building a ceiling layout for my standard gauge tinplate. I connected the lock-on to the DCS Commander module and that to the z1000 and it trips. I tried connecting the lock-on to a different spot but it still trips. So I connected the lock-on to some leftover track and everything works fine. So now I know the lock-on, DCS module and wires are all fine.

The layout is a 10x24 oval. It is all standard gauge realtrax except two small pieces of standard gauge tubular at each end that were cut from a larger piece. I am using realtrax transition pieces t0 connect them to the realtrax.

All the track is screwed down to wood track bed to support it. I only used the holes on the realtrax for screws, I made no new holes in the track. As far as I can tell all the track is together. I also checked to make sure that nothing is laying across the track anywhere. The track is all brand new.

I am at a loss for what might be causing the problem. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

Thank you,

Paul

 

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I assume the idea is NOT to pull up all 60+ feet of track inspecting each section for a short.

Do you have a digital meter than can measure "low" resistances?   If there's a single short around the loop, you should be able to isolate the location to within a few feet.  Then pull up just a few sections for closer visual inspection.

There is the brute-force approach of hooking a car battery (or the like) to blow out a short...smoking/melting/starting-fire to the offending track section.  Not sure that's a "helpful suggestion" though. 

Matt, You hit it correctly. The one short piece of tubular had a plastic insulator that the metal tab pushed thru. Removed it and everything worked. Just got done running the engine to make sure everything looks good.

Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I will probably post some pictures of the now completed ceiling oval in the next day or so. Then I can get started on my O layout below.

Thanks again,

 

Paul

stan2004 posted:

There is the brute-force approach of hooking a car battery (or the like) to blow out a short...smoking/melting/starting-fire to the offending track section.  Not sure that's a "helpful suggestion" though. 

Where i retired from, we had to install shielded RF screen rooms and invariably there would be shorts between inner and outer screens.  We used high amperage power supply and zapped those shorts. Made a noise similar to bug zapper!!

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