Hi all, I have a 15 degree crossing in my DCC, N-scale layout. I was running the locos last night and I noticed that they stutter and lights flicker when going over the crossing. The entire track is Atlas code 80 as well as the crossing. I looked closer and notice arcs coming off the pickup wheels as it passes over.
I am worried this might be bad for the decoders. I also thought that the locos might be causing a short as they cross but I am not sure.
Anyone out there have similar experiences?
Peter
You may want to check to see that the rail is not dirty. Also make sure there is nothing in between the crossing and the rail that might make the locomotives lose contact with the rail and power. If your train goes around your layout fine untill the crossing it’s probably dirty rail.
James
Thanks for the input but the track is all brand new and clean. There is plastic sections between all the rails in the crossing to insulate I guess and that does make the locos bounce a bit…
IF the wheels are shorting that wont affect the decoders,
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double check your wheels for proper gauge
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ARCing could be shorting, or actually from losing contact - called an OPEN.
Arcing or SHORT can be fixed by aplying some nail polish as added insulation.
My guess it’s an OPEN from loss of power through the frog. (Atlas frogs are dead}.
Correction is to use engines with ‘all wheel electrical pickup’,
or - power the frog through a switch machine with electrical SPDT contacts.