I installed a 1N1190RA diode in my LW account the disc was shot. I got it mounted to the bracket and all wires reattached. Put rail sounds tender on the track and success, Whistle blows. On voltage meter volts go up 4v. The oddity is when I reverse the wires, I can't get the bell to sound. Found that rather odd.
I would of figured it would operate the bell, but no joy. Any ideas out there???
Marty
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Marty, which wires are you reversing?
I was reversing the output wires to the track
Marty
Reversing the pilarity of the feed to the track should switch between the whistle/horn and bell. Not sure what is up with your particular scenario.
Try pushing the button only half way.
My first inclination is for you to put an engine on the track with it, something that will draw some power, then give the same experiment a try.
To eliminate the tender as being the problem. I would slip a different transformer in there and see if the bell rings with that one.
Those are the only two ideas that come to mind.
George
That transformer has the same "two step" switch to provide pickup and holding current to the engine - can you detect both positions when you try to blow the whistle? If not, that would suggest an issue with the switch, altho that doesn't fully explain why the whistle will blow but the bell won't ring.
I still think the tender may be at fault - let me know if it works (with a load like an engine or even a couple of lit cars) when using another transformer
I have had the same problem before with postwar transformers. The bell won't start but the whistle is fine. New trains and postwar transformers don't play well together. Generally has the same problem as yours, not an isolated case. Add more load to the transformer, or use a CW80 or Z1000.
I'm sure the lw uses a hold resistor across the seluim rectifier. The diode install
it should stay in place. I don't know if a zener diode will fit in these. But, works
great in the ZW.
I hear that there is a polarity issue with this transformer verses others, is there a way to correct this??? I have just got done putting stud rectifiers in 3 of the LW's and all blow the whistle, but I have to connect common to center rail and post A to the ground rail to blow whistle, using the 1N1190AR diodes...
Marty
Marty, polarity doesn't matter much as either way can be "correct" : factory stock or conventionally compliant. You have the whistle working just fine, so I'd leave it be.
shawn posted:I'm sure the lw uses a hold resistor across the seluim rectifier. The diode install
it should stay in place. I don't know if a zener diode will fit in these. But, works
great in the ZW.
Shawn - just curious, which zener diode have you used in a ZW?
Look up in the search zener diode and zw I think the guy originally stated sender diode
shawn posted:
Thanks, Shawn!
I have used the Zener Diodes in ZW's, NTE5815, it is 6 amp, You could go up to 8 amps. Easy install and will out last you probably....
Marty
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