DCC Life-Like FA2 (split frame)

[tims]

I am trying to put a Digitrax DN135D decoder in a Life-Like FA2. The power leads are not attached to the locomotive yet. When I attach power to the leads and the locomotive is not on the track, it works normally. When the locomotive is on the track, it does not do anything when power is applied.

I am thinking short, so I've checked all the usual places that the two frame halves could be shorting. I think I've also got the metal motor casing insulated from the frame. I've taken my meter and there is infinity resistance across the two frame halves, so I would assume that they are not causing a short.

Any Ideas on what I should check or do to determine the issue. Since the DN135D plugs into a wire harness, I have tried a know good decoder with the same results.

I'm new to the DCC thing and the other 3 installs went fairly well after I blew the first one up because of a short. That was a quick lesson in what not to do. However I'm now at a loss of what to do, and I don't think throwing it across the room would help.

Thanks for any words of wisdom you may have. (I hope that did not just leave this thread wide open

[kentuckysouthernrwy]

What scale? N?

[Donnell Wells]

Check the wheelsets. The backs of the half axles could be touching. I had this happen on an HO-scale P1K F3A. Also, make sure that all the leads are isolated. Even though you checked, check again.

The very last resort is to disassemble the entire locomotive, and then put it back together piece by piece chicken resistance as you go. I had to recently do this on an N-scale Atlas baby Trainmaster. I assembled the unit after disassembly, and font a short when I installed the front truck.

Donnell

[tims]

Karl,

It's N scale.

Donnell,

Thanks for your advice. One of these times when I put it back together I'll figure out what the issue is.

[tims]

I figured out the problem. On one of my brush caps the solder had a sharp point. That point had breached the tape that was suppose to be insulating the motor from the frame.

Thanks for all your support.

I am surprised that no one offered "don't take any wooden nickles" as words of wisdom.

[rhpd42002]

Glad you got your loco issue figured out, Tims.

I figured you already knew about the wooden nickels thing. My advice would have been to not bet on the races, but.... the Kentucky Derby has already been run!!

[Donnell Wells]

Finding faults in split frames can be "buggers" sometimes. Patience is key. It's often good to just put the project asside, wait a while, and then come back later with a refreshed thought process. That way, you won,t be tempted to throw it across the room!

Donnell

[tims]

Part of the reason I posted the question in the first place was more as a step back and wait more than anything else. It's almost impossible to diagnose problems of this nature with out seeing what is going on. I was more looking for either a I've been there also, or general take it apart again and check everything as you put it back together. Also it gave me a break from it while I was waiting for replies.