[East Broad Top]

Here's my theory on wiring; DCC install experts, tell me where I'm overlooking something...

1) Tap the power for the QSI board from the track inputs, allowing the track power to continue to the stock Bachmann board to power the smoke unit (via the switch) and the firebox lights. 


2) Remove the LS/NMRA polarity switch, hooking the motor directly to the QSI board.


3) Run headlights, chuff switch, etc. off QSI board as illustrated in the instructions.


Now, to test this theory, I hooked everything up as such, without hooking up the chuff, speaker, or lights. Essentially, I'm just trying to run the motor. Using the MRC controller in what I'm assuming is factory default settings, my speed control is spotty at best. The motor spits and sputters at low speeds, finally picking up and smoothing out at around half throttle.


That doesn't seem right to me. 


One would think "plug-and-play" would be a bit easier than this, so I'm certain I'm overlooking something somewhere.


Thoughts?


Later,


K

 

[East Broad Top]

I tried removing the capacitor filter on the motor, since I know it plays havoc with RCS's stuff. Performance was no different with it on or off. If it does no harm to remove it as part of the install, then I will most certainly do so. One less bit of electronics to clog up the works. Yes, the motor is connected directly to the QSI board. I'm wondering if there's some kind of system disconnect between QSI and MRC controller, but I was under the impression that both systems used the NMRA's DCC standard.

My thought was to put everything inside the boiler, and use the former chuff contact wires for the speaker connection. Since there seems to be no reason to access the board itself as a regular matter of course, I figure hiding it in the boiler makes sense.

Later,

K

 

[East Broad Top]

It's MRC's "Prodigy" DCC system.

Later,

K

 

[East Broad Top]

It's the Prodigy Advance 2. I've used it to test other DCC throttles in a K-27, so I know it's got the guts to make things work, and works quite nicely to boot. Just not in this case, which has me a bit befuddled. Darned electrons going through the rails. What's up with that???

Later,

K

 

[East Broad Top]

It was on rollers. I'll have to look into that. Logic tells me that since the problem went away at higher speeds, there's something else going on, but I'll definitely try again on my usual test track.

Later,

K

 

[East Broad Top]

Greg, that is precicely what is happening with what I've got here. Glad it's not just me. I'll give you a jingle later this week when I have time to work on it.

Later,

K