I have installed an ERR kit in a ten wheeler. Command works for speed and directional control. I get whistle and bell sound. There is NO chuff. How can I test the reed switch? Or have I made some typical error in the install?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Which ERR kit did you use? The Railsound kits come with instructions to install an included reed switch and magnet if the engine already uses one.
Which 10-wheeler are we talking about?
The engine involved is a Williams #40608 4-6-0 steamer. This small engine has two rollers under the engine and two rollers under the tender. The span of these rollers enables this small engine to negotiate long turnouts on my layout. I reused the included six pin tether with the following pin assignments. 1 = motor pos. 2 = motor neg. 3 = outside rail ac common. 4= center rail ac power. 5&6 = prog/run to switch on engine. I installed the cruise commander kit and railsounds kit medium steam kit. As I said, the engine take TMCC commands for forward, reverse, and speed control. It will operate the whistle and bell sounds. But it has no chuff. I had some difficulty installing the reed switch under the tender. That is why I would like to test it to see if it works. The magnet IS installed on a tender wheel and it does negotiate through turnouts.
Dumb question, why waste two pins for a remote PGM/RUN switch, just put it on the tender.
It's simple to test the reed switch. Disconnect it from everything, connect your ohmmeter to the two leads. As you rotate the wheel, the reed switch should open and close.
Dumb answer.
I thought I would save the (included in the kit) switch for some purpose in the future. And, there was already a switch on the engine that I could use. I just had to get the wires to it from the ERR board in the tender.
Reed switch tests okay. I'll try again to mount it closer to the magnet.
I take that answer back. The reed switch is a problem. Its behavior is erratic. It may have gotten some glue inside. Where can I get a replacement?
Dallee Electronics or ERR will have them. There’s really no way for glue to get into the reed switch unless the casing is already broken.
Welllllll, it may have gotten some rough handling while trying to get it stuck to the tender truck.
Drop me an email, I have those in stock, I can get you a couple cheaper than anywhere else.
Bingo!!! It works great with a new reed switch.
Thanks to all who responded.
I can't believe you got them that fast!