Hi, today my BLI switcher began to start, stop, start then stopped. I noticed that the EB1 had tripped. Checked the tracks, and tried another BLI P2 EMD 1500 which worked fine on the district. Put teh priginal back on and the EB1 tripped.
What would cause a DCC loco to suddenly short out?
Lots of possibilities, perhaps the most common in the situation you describe when an engine has been running fine, then decides to start acting up, is when something wears over time, like a wire is rubbing on the frame and the insulation finally gets to the point where the conductor can touch the frame or motor housing. Or if a wire has been pinched and finally wears through.
First step in a diagnosis like this, since you have already figured out it is the locomotive, NOT the track AND it is a short and NOT an open or broken wire, is to remove the shell and see if the problem changes, or goes away.
Then with a little more careful probing and inspection, see if there is something obvious, like the frayed insulation or pinched wire.
It is possible that the decoder itself is causing the problem but, usually, that is a “one-shot” deal and the decoder is toast. Not so much an intermittent problem.
Take off the shell, then try the engine again and look for an obvious problem, then let us know what you find…
Good Luck, Ed
Yeah, I agree with Ed here. I would also recommend removing the shell to examine the wiring and the decoder connections. It may or may not be the problem, but from your description, it would be the first thing that I would check.
Rich
Thanks Ed,
Decoder looks fine, engine is New January this year. No more than 2 hours on it. All wires look good. Same problem when shell is off.
[:|]
I’ll have to look at my BLI switchers. I think I have three of them?
So what I’m wondering is if the wheel/axle/drive gear arrangement is similar to some of the Proto 2000 ones where the axle ends could possibly be touching inside the gear causing the short?
Just taking a stab-in-the-dark here.
Again— good luck!
Ed
I saw that you posted this issue on another forum, and the reply said that another guy had to return both of his SW1500s for motor and decoder replacement when the motors shorted out and “took the decoders with them”.
That really seems weird, but it raises the question, is your decoder fried? Can you test it on a programming track?
Rich
Yes but that seems extreme. I’m waiting to hear from BLI.
Ill check it on the program track
BLI says they will send an RA#. [:^)]
I have 5 BLI Locomotives and this will be the THIRD that needs to go back. Frustrating!