Hornby HM2000 for N-gauge

Mar 15, 2006 7 Replies
H

Hi, I was wondering if Hornby's HM2000 is suitable for N-gauge locomotives? I recently bought one off eBay and tried it with my N-gauge locomotives. They work all right but they seem to hum horribly, as opposed to when powered by a Bachmann controller.



I investigated the issue and found out that the problem might lie in half-wave rectification, and that hornby's power-clip contains a capacitor which should filter the power to the track. So I got hold of a hornby power-clip and soldered some wire to fit N power clips. This didn't seem to help much. If anything, perhaps a slight reduction of the hum.



Is there any solution to remove the hum, and above all, would using this controller damage my locos?



Regards.



Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

The capacitor in the power clip is to suppress high frequency noise that could interfere with TV or radio.

If the controller is half-wave then you are stuck with it (the hum). You can always put it back on eBay.

MBQ

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

It could just as easily be full wave rectification with no smoothing or regulation. If the hum is 50Hz it's half wave, if the hum is 100Hz then it's full wave.

MBQ

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
H

Would you have any suggestions for smoothing the power?

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
6

You could alternatively fit a full wave rectifier (Maplin) thus removing the course of the hum(assuming it is the rectification that is causing noise in the first place).

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

Buy, or build, a different controller.

A large electrolytic capacitor on the output of the rectifier, but that means hacking the internals of the HM2000. It may be doable depending on your knowledge.

MBQ

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
M

That can only be done by hacking the internals of the controller. I'm assuming the OP wants a quick fix.

I'm also assuming the controller is mains powered and everything is in the one box.

MBQ

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
H

Thanks for the suggestions MBQ. I thought of having a go at the internals of the HM2000, but not being an expert, I thought I'd end up making the controller blow. I'll probably sell the thing off and get a better controller.

Vote
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required