Decoder problems in Kato Bullet trains

I am switching over to DCC and have a large number of the Kato Bullet trains, locally I am the only person who runs this stuff. The decoder installation is simple enough however once installed they don't run well (jerk-hesitate-stop-start-jerkjerk-stop). One aquantance started spouting off about back EMF settings etc without explaining what he meant and just confused the hell out of me. My not having a full grasp on DCC is the problem and there is probably a CV that I need to ajust to a certain value, this I understand. I need someone who has done this and knows what to do please. I use the Digitraxx sytem and use (pilot?) a DT400R. Please send emails to snipped-for-privacy@shaw.ca Thanks in advance

Reply to
Nobody
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Before mucking with the decoder, check your wheels and track. Make sure that both are clean. Then check your solder joints and make sure you don't have any 'cold solder' joints.

To clean wheels and track, I use Goo Gone on a paper towel. Lay a small strip across the rails and wet it down with the Goo Gone. Turn on the power, acquire the engine and turn the throttle up. Hold onto the engine and let the first set of powered drivers slip while on hte paper towel. This will loosen the gunk on the tire and transfer it to the towel. Repeat with all other powered drivers.

To clean non-powered wheels that need to make electrical contact, I turn over the item and use a Q-tip dipped in Goo Gone and scrub the wheel.

If you can't f> I am switching over to DCC and have a large number of the Kato Bullet

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Reply to
Frank A. Rosenbaum

Reply to
Nobody

Take and put a 12V bulb across the input to the decoder and another on the output of the decoder, put the bulbs in windows where you can see them and run the train. If both lights blink then the problem is contact with the track and if just one blinks (the output) then you are having some problems with the decoders. I'd also check to see if there is some capacitor somewhere in the electrical circuit and, if so, remove it as that will cause problems with the decoder.

-- Bob May Losing weight is easy! If you ever want to lose weight, eat and drink less. Works evevery time it is tried!

Reply to
Bob May

Depending on the exact profile of the herky-jerky behavior it sounds kinda like a short.

Good luck, Paul

Reply to
Paul Newhouse

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