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#Post#: 2328--------------------------------------------------
Line Voltage Loss trouble shooting with DC Transformer - blinks
off and on
By: hederj Date: February 25, 2020, 6:01 pm
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Hello,
Re: 18 V DC Transformer covering 30-40 feet of track
As I take meter readings I see various readings and the power
and the switch lights go up and down sporadically.
Anybody out there that can help me or refer me to someone who
can?
Jim
hederj
#Post#: 2329--------------------------------------------------
Re: Line Voltage Loss trouble shooting with DC Transformer - bli
nks off and on
By: TrainLarry Date: February 25, 2020, 10:41 pm
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First check to see you have good, solid connections to your
transformer and track, and you are using a good, heavy gauge
wire.
Next, check to see all the pins in the ends of the tracks are
clean and rust-free, and are tight fitting in the ends of the
tracks. Squeeze the track slightly if necessary to get a tight
fit.
Lastly, make sure your track is clean and free of rust and dirt,
including the ends where the pins push in. Use a ScotchBrite pad
to clean them up, followed by a wipe down with a rag dipped in
Naphtha.
After all this is done, you should get consistent voltage
readings all around the layout. A lighted car rolled around the
track will also confirm consistent voltage.
Larry
#Post#: 2330--------------------------------------------------
Re: Line Voltage Loss trouble shooting with DC Transformer - bli
nks off and on
By: hederj Date: February 26, 2020, 11:08 am
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Thank you Larry. Would poor connections account for the on and
off phenomena? With everything connected and the powerpack
showing 18 V DC at the plug, Power comes to the track as noted
by the headlamp on the engine lasting approximately 2 to 3
seconds and then goes off for a second comes back on again for 2
to 3 seconds and continues to do that as long as it's left on.
#Post#: 2331--------------------------------------------------
Re: Line Voltage Loss trouble shooting with DC Transformer - bli
nks off and on
By: TrainLarry Date: February 26, 2020, 12:06 pm
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It sounds like you may have a short circuit somewhere.
What transformer are you using, and what kind of track?
Finding the problem is a process of elimination.
Disconnect the transformer from the track and check the voltage
at the plug. If it cycles on and off, the transformer is your
problem. If power only cycles with the transformer connected to
the track, there is a short in the track somewhere. To locate
it, disconnect one track at a time and power up the layout. Keep
on disconnecting one track at a time until the short disappears.
The last track you disconnected will be the bad one.
If the transformer and track check good, the problem is your
locomotive. It may have bad wiring or a bad 'E' unit.
Larry
#Post#: 2332--------------------------------------------------
Re: Line Voltage Loss trouble shooting with DC Transformer - bli
nks off and on
By: hederj Date: February 27, 2020, 12:54 am
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It was a short circuit problem. I found the defective track,
replaced it and all is back to normal. Thank you. I didn't think
a short circuit would cause the power to come and go like that.
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