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GP7 Electro couplers buzzing very loud

SwannySwannyOGR Forum Member

Need a few opinions here. I originally started with an RTR PE and then added a LC+ GP7.

The original RTR came with the 2 amp DC wall pack. That worked fine with the PE but would not run the GP7 couplers when the smoke was running, and would also power off about 1/2  throttle when I tried to pull 4 lit passenger cars.

 

Fast forward to today. I bought a 180 Powerhouse brick. I wired a Molex to a terminal track and that plugs directly into the PW180. 18V of constant AC power which is perfect for the LC+. Both AC or DC works with these engines.

During the test run today everything worked great except when I fire the couplers the buzz is Very loud, as in drowns out the digital coupler sound.

Before when it was under powered I could get the couplers to fire without smoke on but there was no buzz.

 

Is this loud buzz because I now have lots of power? Is it due to the switch to AC brick from a 2amp DC pack? Is something wrong?

I realize that some buzzing should occur with a coil but this seems a bit excessive.

 

 

Last edited by Swanny
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AcelaNYPAcelaNYPOGR Forum Member

Swanny-

 

Best guess it is caused by the voltage you are running the trains at. The coil couplers are definitely designed to work at 18 volts (the recommended voltage for TMCC), but will certainly buzz more than they would at a lower voltage. To confirm this, lower the track voltage to maybe 12-14 volts to see if that reduces the noise.

 

Keep in mind the dials on the transformer may not be a true indication of the actual track voltage. Test your track voltage using a multimeter (touch one lead to the center rail and the other to the outer rail), then adjust the transformer lever until the meter registers 18 volts.

 

Hope this helps!

 

-John

SwannySwannyOGR Forum Member

Thanks for the reply John.

I did post a video to Lionel and on the forum. The verdict was that nothing is wrong. They do buzz a bit loud but within normal parameters I'm told.

I do like your suggestion of lowering the voltage but I am running Lion Chief plus engines with a constant 18v AC feed from a 180 PW. There is no need for a transformer since the LC+ engines have a remote.

 

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