Just installed a decoder in a BLI SW2 and it runs beautifully, but noisely. Their manuel says if there is excessive gear noise, which I take this to be, to lubricate the axles and gears with plastic safe oil and grease. Has anyone had a smilar experience? What kind of lubricants are safe for plastic? Thanks, Clay Smith Modeling the L&N in southwestern Ky
Depending on the brand and type of decoder you used, you may need to adjust the frequency to achieve quiet operation because the noise could be caused by the motor. Read your decoder’s documentation, looking for terms such as Dither, Quiet Drive, or something similar.
Also make sure that the decoder and its wires are not rubbing on the drive shaft, universal joints, or flywheels.
Thanks. When I test ran the engine before putting the shell on it, it did not sound that noisy. I had, or least thought I had, all of the wires taped up out of harms way. However this is a small engine and anything could have happened. The decoded is a NCE and I don’t have the number here with me but I will check tonight. I just switched from years of using RailCommand and am still in the learning curve of DCC. I’m afraid with my limited knowledge of electronics this will be a steep curve. I’ll let you know how this turns out. Thanks. Clay
Clay,
My BLI NW2 also fitted with an NCE decoder is the same. Smooth but noisy particularly when going forwards. Most of the noise comes from the front truck.
I tried a Lenz silver decoder in it and that made no difference.
Hob-E-Lube seems to quieten things down a bit.
Thanks, I appreciate the info and sorry you are having the same problem. I could not find any reference in the decoder instructions about adjusting anything related to frequency. I ordered some oil and grease today and will live with the noise until I can try that. It sure does run great though. Oh, by the way, my mistake, it’s a SW7 and not a SW2. My bad. Thanks again. Clay