I recently converted my layout from DC to DCC. Now some of my locomotives hesitate momentarily as they cross some of my turnouts. I didn’t have this problem with DC using the same turnouts. What do you think might be my problem and how can I correct it.
Thanks[:D]
I have used some Peco turnouts with insulated frogs. These cause a momentary short as th wheek tread crossesit. I have over come this by replacing the turnout wit a live frog turnout and only using the insulated frogs in sidings where power is only fed through the points athe toe end. e.g. Yard with dead end spurs.
Another problem is the open blade of the opints in live frog turnouts is alive with the polarity of the opposite track. I have insulated the frog sedction and switch the polaty. You must then insulate the blades from the frog I have used an insulated rail joiner at the heel ( the pivot part) to do this. Then connect the blade and its adjacent stock rail. This will avoid this problem.
MR June 2004 has an article detailing just this probelm with good diagrams much better than I can explain. Good Luck[:)]
Another consideration might be to check the engines to see if all the wheels are picking up power. Some only have power pick up from one of the trucks that will cause the hesitation. I.E. - I have older Bachmanns that I wired so that power pick up is from both trucks and the problem is gone. But, if the wheels are not insulated to begin with, problem not solved by this method.