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Track Current
Ed asks:
“Hi everyone, I have been building my ho scale city for 8 years and finally I have my trains running however for two days for some reason I have no current running through my tracks. I have checked all connections (soldered my droppers with main), rail joiners. I have a DCS 100 with a Dt 602. Any input would be helpful?”
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6 Responses to Track Current
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Just a suggestion:
Use a Volt/Ohm meter to check the voltage at the transformer output terminals first. Make sure your getting a voltage reading there to begin with. If not, your transformer may be bad and you might need to replace it. If you have a voltage reading, connect the negative lead to the minus side of the transformer and check for voltage along the positive side of each track. That may help you find the location of a bad rail joiner or a break along the line.
Good luck, hope you find your problem…
I would look at your outlet, first. Use a volt/ohm meter to see you have power at the outlet. Then plug your power supply back in and check t. If ok the check your bus wires
I would suggest testing the outlet by plugging in a light or something designed for plugging in to an outlet – easier than using a meter.
Thne as everyone has suggested, test the output from the controller. It seems you have already tested the power to the track. Hopefully it’s something that’s easy to fix.
The other thing to check is your track. Check 5o make sure something is not shorting across the rails. I know c this from experience. It’s easy to knock a tool etc.
The problem is either 1) a short circuit, 2) broken circuit, 3) loss of power from the control system.
In case of a short circuit on the track, disconnect power and test for a connection between the rails with a test meter on resistance. Points (US: switches) can be a source of problems.
With a test meter on voltage, check you have power from the command station, then test along each electrical path to the track.
You should di the opposite place one lead on the positive side of the transformer and the other lead along the track at the negative side of the track. The readings would show negative voltage to check the rail joiners on the other side of the track. Also see if there is a way to reset the transformer.