Hi chaps, I have installed a Zimo MX 645 sound chip into my scratch built Andrew Barclay, it took some getting in and I have used a 4 pin plug and socket to aid body removal for painting/maintenance etc, I have programmed in its long address, it took two attempts before it would accept it but on selecting it on the track it barely moves, a couple of revolutions on the motor shaft very slowly, then stops reversing it the same happens, I tried it several times without success, doe,s anyone have any ideas as to what the problem may be? because I am stumped . Cheers, Pete.
Sounds like a general lack of power. Especially if it is getting through enough to move it initially. Did you try the motor DC prior to installing the decoder ? What is the peak load rating of the chip ? If it's too low, it may not be getting enough of a kick to start it off. ....... Just thinking out loud. Toto
Hi Pete Do you have a multimeter with an Ammeter, and as Toto suggests check the current consumption in DC, especially close to stall. It may have a tight spot on the drive train. You could try running the gears box with some brasso, or tooth paste then clean and relube. Paul
Pete Guessing the model ran OK when tested on DC and all was good You can also try using some hook up wires to test powering direct to the decoder eliminating the track/wheels/pickups. After that look at CV 29 esp speed step options. check to see CV 29 is set up to the options you want If the wrong set up info is coded often dose what you describe Speed steps option 14 - 28 or -128 will often set in the decoder then the command station is set to the opposite and the loco will do strange things like stat then stop or flash the lights on and off very second speed step. Then there is the possibility that the comand station is sending a packet of info that the decoder doesn't like. I have this issue with my CVP system and one type of decoder it starts the motor then stops it, moving the throttle will start it again if you continually move the throttle the decoder will keep the motor running I haven't been able to engineer this out with CV setting changes or comand station setting, on my NCE or Sprog there are no issues and it runs fine. Link to Zimo manual http://www.zimo.at/web2010/documents/MX-KleineDecoder_E.pdf And the CV29 table produced below. Attached files
Thank you for your replies chaps, I did run it on DC first and she ran a treat, I will check the cv,s and go from there, if I still can,t get it to run properly then I will contact digitrains. Cheers, Pete.
MX645 current is 1.2 amps continuous, 2.5 amps surge Pete. Just make sure you have the decoder completely insulated from loco body( since you mentioned it was a tight fit). If you're stuck for a multimeter, I have one, just let me know. Keith.
After a little faffing around, cleaning pickups, running on DC to prove to myself it doe,s run, and plugging the decoder back in she now runs, I had to adjust the momentum to 0 as she took an age to start moving but once speed had been picked up, she took ages to slow down, I had to hit the red button before doing a Lemming impression a few times anyway every thing appears to be fine apart from having to resolder the blue stay alive wire. So thank you for all the very welcome advice chaps, next job- paint. Cheers, Pete.
