LGB type3 decoder in USA NW2 resulted in speed problems???

Garden Railroading
1

Hello all,

I have installed the LGB type 3 decoder into a USA NW2 and got it to run. However I seem to only have off or on. When I turn up the speed on the remote it stays at the same speed?? It has not problem going forward or reverse, but once it is moving in a direction no matter how much I up the speed on the remote it doesn’t change.

The sound right now does not vary with speed (as it does not change speeds), but I don’t know if this will be fixed with the problem above or if it needs to be wired differently?? (currently I have not changed the wiring of the sound).

2

I am not sure which decoder you have but a type number would be a big help. Offthe cuff it may not be meant for a a decent sized loco at all.

Rgds Ian

3

most decoders have power limiting built in and short circuit protection - if you current draw exceeds capacity of decoder its likely to limit it - i would normally expect jerky operation tho

4

The decoder is the LBG 55027, which is supposed to be adequate to work with dual motors, and up to 3 amps. The operation is not jerky, it just doesn’t seem to change speeds.

Please help…

Thanks.

5

I forwarded this thread to the Technical support manager at LGBoA and received the following response:

“I’m not sure in this case because I’ve never heard of a problem like this, but it could be that he programmed it incorrectly, especially if he was using the MTS with a Universal Remote. Might be able to test it by running on an analog layout to see what is going on. An NW2 could also be drawing more than 3 amps, though that would be unusual and I don’t think our decoders limit themselves that way. More information is needed on what system he has, who did the install, he also mentions a sound system, it’s possible he tapped into a constant voltage and installed it wrong.”

A bit more detail could help us to diagnose the problem

6

An NW2 with three cars and Sierra sound, using 2AH batteries, runs 4 hours and 20 minutes.

You do the math on current draw.

7

Unfortunately the card fried, from what I believe was the NW2 pulled more juice than 3amps…

so now to see what other card might work, or if I will have to get a decoder per motor…

8

Okay, since you obviously cannot do math, I will do it for you.

The NW-2 with sound and lights, 3 cars, draws and average of less than .5A.

Would you like to see how that is done?

2AH battery.

That means, it will give 2 amps for one hour.

It will give 1 amp for two hours.

It will give 1/2 amp for 4 hours.

Since the unit ran for 4 hours and 20 minutes, it draws less than 1/2 amp.

The NW-2 is one of the most efficient blocks out there.

A single-motored LGB Mogul, no sound, draws .6A (at least mine do).

So, if a unit that draws less than 1/2 amp blows up a 3A board, we need to carefully look at the installation and installer.

Need me to go over that again?

9

Okay…then you tell me why it smoked…

Wiring as follows:

Right side track pick-up for motors A + B (they are mounted 180 degrees, therefore red with black pairings) to the Track power -

Left side track pick-up to track power +

All red wires for the motors (which there are two per motor) to the decoder motor +

All black wires (four as well) to the decoder motor -

Any suggestions???

10

Yeah.

A big suggestion.

Since ALL USA dismal blocks have TWO wires to each motor, you have connected motor to track.

"Wiring as follows:Right side track pick-up for motors A + B (they are mounted 180 degrees, therefore red with black pairings) to the Track power -

Left side track pick-up to track power +

All red wires for the motors (which there are two per motor) to the decoder motor +

All black wires (four as well) to the decoder motor -

Any suggestions???"

I’d have to check, but the motors on the bigger units are the outer pins.

The inner pins and any journal pickups are to the track.

These are usually 4 wires into one plug (2-pin) at each end.

You need to use a VOM and check wheel continuity to the pins.

Simple test is to use a 9v battery to the wires you THINK are the motor and see if it runs, and see if, while running, you have power on the wheels.

Once again, for possible penetration, two wires to each motor.

11

…ooooops [:(]

Thanks…any other suggestions??

For take #2 would you suggest the Digitrax DG583S or LGB 55027 decoders??

I am using the LGB MTS type 3.

Will the digitrax decoder work with LGB’s 55045 (PC decoder programmer)???

Thanks.

12

I would suggest on-board battery r/c, but that’s just what I do.