PS2 Stalling Issues

 They only stall with the sound on??

If they are all behaving the same it sounds more like a layout electrical issue than an engine issue.

I gather its a different layout than the earlier one?

 

Rod

Try the easy battery test...cut  track power, (not shut down with remote) sounds should continue on for at least 6 or 7 seconds.

 

Don't forget to clean and lube the center rail rollers.The pin that goes through the roller gets dirty (Oxidizes) and can cause problems. However you said the engines run ok  with out sound.  Good luck

 

I use DeoxIt D5 on the rollers, it does wonders for the conductivity.

Correct.

Yes, all new layout (16'x8') with the same Atlas track.  16 gauge wiring, same terminal strips as before with power drops every 15'.

I'll try that, thanks!

Thanks, where do you buy it?

All over, just Google it.  Here, Let Me Google That For You

When you say stall, I assume you mean the engine stops.  Are the lights and sounds still on?  Or do the lights turn off and the does the so-called shutdown sound start?

 

If you lower the volume so it's barely audible does it still stall?

 

Since you apparently have a Z4000, for a comparable run (same speed, same engine, etc.) is the Amp readout noticeably different between sound-off vs. sound-on?  I realize the numbers bounce around a bit.

The engines stall and the lights and sounds stop same as shutdown.  At low volume, the sound is still audible. The Amps stay the same with sound on or off.

 

Just for giggles, I put two of the engines on charge on track with 12V for eight hours.  The RS-11 runs like brand new - flawless.  The GP35 ran great after the charge, but sat for two days and now is a little twitchy.  I still need to charge the SD40-2.

Sounds like time to replace the battery.

Gotta agree with John.

Replace the batteries.

A battery from 2008 isn't all that old, but it ain't new either.

And extended time without use is really bad for NiCads.

Thanks for all the help, guys.  I'll have to order some batteries because the closest hobby shop is two hours away.

 

BTW, is the PS2 battery charger worth picking up?

Whether to get the charger depends on how often you run the locos.  If 2-3 months betwen runs, yes.  If you run several times a week, no, but when running periodically leave unused locos on powered track but shut down .

PRRfan,

   Don't order new batteries for your engines, I always recommend replacing them with BCR's you will happier in the long run.  For your hand held remote, purchase rechargeable batteries and a good recharger, rotate one battery each week thru the remote control, to keep everything fresh and well charged.  This eliminates any battery problems for running your DCS layout.

PCRR/Dave

One battery?  I'd rotate the whole set and charge them all as a set.

I suspect that's what Dave meant.  After all, a battery is normally composed of cells.  Having 3 remotes and 6 grandchildren, I have 5 sets of batteries, two of which are old Ray-o-Vac 15-minute recharge, probably pushing 10 years old but stil working fine.  Can't have a grandchild sitting because there are no batteries for his/her remote.

 

Rechargeables are a must if you use the backlight

You're killing off the fun here.

It was never part of my job description to make people happy.

RJR,

  Gunrunner owed me that one, I zinged him a while back, I have been waiting for the retaliation.  Too bad you two guys are so far away, it would be great if you guys could show up,  for our Train Breakfast on Saturday the 23rd here in Murrysville, Pa it's going to be a good time, with about 20 OGR members.  Then we are going over to Patrick H's so the guys can see his incredible layout.  Having met Patrick's beautiful wife, she will probably butcher the neighbors cattle, and have

a Saturday BBQ for all the train guys who stop buy, she keeps a beautiful home.

PCRR/Dave

 

It is a long haul.  My late mother-in-law lived near Brownsville & wife's sister lives in Canonsburg.

I looked it up on the map, it's about 300 miles.  I don't think I can make it in time for breakfast, even in my fast car.

Two solutions:

 

1. Pretend you're running guns & go faster.

 

2. Get up earlier.