Previous post determined that SB5 unit had a short. So I removed the SB5 and reconnected my Power Cab unit as I had prior to getting the SB5. That was yesterday and everything was running fine. So I decided to go back to working on the turnout that I was working on before. I completed what I needed to do (setting it up with a push/pull control rod and a switch to power the frog as needed for either position. I have over twenty of these set up on my layout with no problems). As of yesterday evening I had finished the turnout and powered back up to find everything running just fine. So today I decided to clean the layout end to end. Completed that and decided to run a train. Turned on system. Power cab came on, red light came on at the panel. Loco came on (sound). Started running loco, ran about 3 feet stalled at a turnout and then everything went dead. Now when I turn on the power the Power Cab lights up for a couple seconds and then goes blank for awhile and then lights up again in cycles. Meanwhile I do not get any red light at the panel. Check all connections and they look good. Man, I really hate this crap. I have been running this layout for more than 8 years and now I am so frustrated. Help.
Does it power up with the track disconnected? If not - sounds like you’ve now fried the PowerCab’s internal booster.
Would be good to test the output of the PowerCab’s wall wart power pack, see if it has sufficient voltage, maybe that’s what’s failed. You weren’t using the power supply from the SB5 with the PowerCab, were you?
That the loco shorted when hitting the turnout, you’ve got something wired wrong there. It’s not a reverse loop, is it? What type of turnout is it?
–Randy
I disconnected the track from the panel. When I turned on the power, the cab lights up like it should and the red light on the panel comes on. So does this mean there is a short in the track somewhere?
The good news is that it sounds like you did not fry the Power Cab. It sure does sound like a short at the turnout. It is probably in the wiring, but it also could be the turnout.
Rich
So, should I disconnect the power from that turnout by cutting the rails at both ends? Or is there a less drastic way to figure this out?
The turnout seems to be the culprit, whether it is the turnout itself or the wiring.
What brand and type turnout is it?
A track plan would help here, but absent that, do you have a reverse loop or other reversing section that the turnout leads into?
Rich
Well. here is the latest. After disconnecting the track from the panel as you suggested I went back and with the power on and the Cab connected to the panel, I reconnected the track to the panel. Guess what? Everything is working again!! I used my multimeter to check the turnout that the loco was about to go thru when everything stopped and it appears to be wired just fine. **** Gremlins. What the heck (not what I really said) is going on here? I am happy it is working again but I really want o know what caused the problem.
I do have 2 AR1 reversing units in my layout but this turnout oes not lead into it directly.
It’s an Atlas turnout like all the rest on my layout. #6. I am almost afraid to try running a loco at this point.
That concerns me that it is an “on again, off again” situation. That should never happen. My feeling is that the problem has not been solved and it still persists. This whole issue needs to be further looked into.
Rich
So, when will you be coming over?
This makes me wonder if you need to gap the track at some point. It could be that the reversing section is not fully isolated.
Rich
Seems I am pretty good at carving wood, trains not so much!
I would hold off running a loco until we find the shorting problem. My guess is that if you do run a loco into that turnout, the short will occur again.
Rich
You are a 5 hour ride away. You need to find someone in the St. Louis area to pay you a visit.
Rich
Actually, it is all part of the learning process. Hang in there, we will solve it.
Rich
Sorry, too late, just did that. Ran right thru, no problem. But that is not the same turnout that I had been working on before this crap all started and I had disconected the wires from it before I started this testing scenerio. So I am going to reconnect that turnout and see what I get?
Is it possible to post a track plan?
Rich
I was JOKING. But I must say again that I am so grateful for this forum. If it were not for all the help I find here, I would not have been enjoying this hobby for the last 10 years or so. I really do not know anyone near me to even talk to about this hobby.
Good luck with that. Let us know.
Rich