This might seem like a dumb question, but I haven’t faced this issue since I started putting in decoders, and I’d rather be safe than sorry.
I have a sound-equipped Atlas geep [with a Soundtrax decoder] that I’ve disabled for straight DC operation, and the wheels are filthy. I normally use a 12vDC electric brush where I simply hold the bristles to each pair of wheels, they turn and get cleaned as I press on them. Here’s my question: Can I hook the alligator clips to a pair of DCC-powered rails, select the address of the engine I want to clean, and brush them like I would with a DC loco? Or would I risk frying the decoder by doing that?
I stretch a piece of cloth across the track that has some track cleaning fluid on it, turn the DCC throttle to full speed, and let the loco wheels run onto the rag and spin. When it stops, pull the loco off and let the motor start again, then repeat. Do this for the other end with the throttle reversed.
I have seen some people use a Kadee wheel cleaning brush with DCC, but I prefer the rag.
So people have done that with the Kadee cleaner (I couldn’t remember who made it, no brand name anywhere). That rag trick sounds like something I’ll try, thanx for the tip!
Yes the Kaydee wheel cleaner will work. I use a heavy peice of paper with just a drop of isoprpyl alcohol on it. and do what the other poster had done. It even works great for steamers too.
Yep, the brush works the same as if you are in DC mode. I’ve done it many times. One tip though. Temporarily set CV 3 (Acceleration Rate) and CV 4 (Braking Rate) to 0. Otherwise it will drive you crazy waiting for it to get up to speed. After you are done, set the CVs back to their original setting.