PS3 Chuff and Light Dimming

SJCOGR Forum Member

I was just running my PS3 Mikado (Railking) and happened to notice that the headlight and marker lights flash/dim slightly when the smoke puffs out. I know LED's flicker/flash but should they do it as the smoke puffs? It is noticeable when looking at it at low speeds but once you speed up, when there aren't really individual puffs of smoke (just a steady stream of smoke at higher speeds), the lights stay solid. I'm running conventional, with MTH Z-1000s as well. I also noticed the same thing on my older (2013) PS3 0-6-0 with the headlight. The 0-6-0 does not have marker lights.

Is this normal?

8/30/1510:58 AM

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GGGOGR Forum Member

Yes at lower voltages. Since your running conventional at lower speeds you have a lower voltage input. Because of that you don't have as high a potential feeding the input. When Smoke chuffs the 5V fan motor is starting from a stop and you get an in rush of start up current for the motor. That is a heavier then normal load on the board and the other light loads will potentially dim. At some higher voltage you now have a high enough input voltage that the motor starting won't effect the other lights.

You can even see this in PS-2 3V at low voltage levels.

In command at 18+ volts no issue. G

8/30/1511:27 AM

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SJCOGR Forum Member

Thanks G. Never noticed this with PS2, will have to look closer next time I run a PS2 steam engine.

8/30/153:32 PM

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GreggOGR Forum Member

That was certainly an issue when DCS when DCS (5 volt) first came out. (MUX board problem)

or type of controller.... early TPCs , Power masters & cab-1.

Is the problem back??.