This is most likely a dumb question, but how does one hook up test leads to a DCS engine. I tried it and had a very unsatisfactory result: sparks. I touched one of the pickup rollers with the positive lead and a drive wheel with the common lead. I don't think I fried anything, but it could have been worse. So, does one set the engine in conventional mode first? I wanted to turn the wheels (steam engine in this case) to check condition of the traction tires, as well as wheel cleaning.
Bill
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I use gator clips.
Bill, do the testing in conventional mode with a variable voltage control transformer. Attach the alligator clips with voltage off them slowly advance voltage.
Susan, thanks. That was the answer I was looking for. I did do this, but I did not set the mode to conventional. Thus, I suspect the engine did not "like' voltage applied in command mode.
Bill
Bill,
You can test the engine either in command or conventional mode.
If you connect the alligator clips to a TIU output channel with red to the pickup roller and DCS turned on for the channel, you're in command mode. If you either connect black to the pickup roller or just connect a transformer directly to the engine, you're in conventional mode.
Either way is fine and neither way will damage the engine as long as you don't do anything "unfortunate" with the power connections.
Either way is fine and neither way will damage the engine as long as you don't do anything "unfortunate" with the power connections.
Barry, that was what I did - I have a low-end set transformer that I use for testing light bulbs, etc. I connected the alligator clip from the positive post to a pick-up roller and connected the common clip to a drive wheel (prior to turning up the voltage). That's when I got sparks that appeared to me to be the result of a ground problem. In retrospect, I will need to find a stationary common/ground as a drive wheel moving with an alligator clip attached is a no-no. Also, I can't remember if I had the tender tether attached. Would that make a difference?
Thanks
Bill
Bill,
Most often, the tender is where the engine's electronics are located, in which case you would need the tender to be tethered to the engine in order to test it.
On a steam engine the best ground connection is the screw that holds the trailing truck to the locomotive. Please be advised do not run an MTH premier pacific upside down in a cradle as the linkage will bind and break in the upside down position.
Are you certain about using an older transformer and attaching the clips to the pick up rollers and the ground on the frame. I have tried this twice and "fried" boards both times. I know I did something wrong but am reluctant to try it again. I think next time, I may just put the cradle on the track, the engine in the cradle, and use alligator clips attached to the track. That way, I know where to attach them.
On a steam engine the best ground connection is the screw that holds the trailing truck to the locomotive. Please be advised do not run an MTH premier pacific upside down in a cradle as the linkage will bind and break in the upside down position.
Marty, thanks for the heads up. Given the above, how might one clean the engine's wheels? It's been a few moons since engines were made that you could turn the drive wheels with your fingers.
Bill, on the Pacific locomotives I just clean what can be reached and electrically turn the motor to get another portion of the driver exposes. I use the counterweights on the drivers as a reference point.
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