Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
Gaugemaster Q 4 Track Controller
Brian sent in this question:
“I just bought a Gaugemaster Q 4 Track controller. When I switch it on makes a buzzing sound. Is this normal?
Thanks. Brian.”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
yes that is normal
De par mon expérience, le son vient du transformateur parce qu’il est de moindre qualité. Ce problème vient des lamelles de métal mal collées entre elles avec le vernis…
Excuse me if I get this wrong, but in English Pierre said:
From my experience, the sound comes from the transformer because it is of lower quality. This problem comes from the slats of metal badly stuck together with the varnish.
A low electrical hum is normal for this model but an actual buzz I would call unusual. It may pay to get it checked by a qualified electrical person or the retailer it was purchased from. Usually a buzz from a transformer is a sign of loose plates, sometimes an easy fix but at other times not so easy to fix.
Further to above,I do not know where you are or even what country you are in but FYI Gaugemaster products have a lifetime guarantee on a “return to base” basis. They will fix and return to you at no charge (even if you bought it secondhand). So Email them and see what they say. I would then weigh up the cost of getting it back to them as compared to getting it fixed locally, (if it needs to be fixed that is).
A slight hum is normal from a transformer, but as previously mentioned, a distinct buzz can indicate loose transformer core plates. This is a nuisance, but not dangerous.
Only if you are electrically competent to take apart mains equipment, the loose plates can be firmly fixed by applying a coat of varnish to hold them.