Rapido RDC (and other brands & models) smoother running
Sept 2, 2019 17:33:28 GMT -8
Colin 't Hart likes this
Post by biggazza on Sept 2, 2019 17:33:28 GMT -8
After reading the recent post on ‘No Autotune for Rapido RDC’ and not wanting to hijack that thread I will start this post.
Mention was made of ‘finicky’ operation of this model and Rapido’s Royal Hudson slow speed performance.
I do not see much talk on general model RR forums for the need to remove certain components on OEM circuit boards that interfere with running qualities of models, not just Rapido.
As a matter of course, I always remove the motor capacitor and inductors (chokes) if I am using the original circuit board for a plug in decoder. Usually, but maybe not always, C1 and L1, L2. These are the components on the newer RDC models and I have removed them from my model.
The gap left by the inductors need a wire soldered to the connection points to bridge the gap.
Sometimes certain components are on the removable plug that is removed when using a 21 pin decoder. My Rapido FP7 has the motor capacitor on this plug so only the inductors were removed.
These two components apparently are only a requirement for European countries where interference with other electronic devices are thought to be of concern - not certain of the USA and Canada requirements for this. Definitely not law in Australia.
I have witnessed the much better operation of several models before and after removal.
My preference is to replace the original board with a replacement ‘Atlas’ style board so I am free of constraints but as the lighting wiring on new models is getting very complicated (especially on my new Rapido RDC) I am starting to use the 21 pin types more.
I don’t suggest this is a ‘cure all’ for every poor running model but it is definitely worth thinking about and researching.
Remember that removal of such components will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Gary
Mention was made of ‘finicky’ operation of this model and Rapido’s Royal Hudson slow speed performance.
I do not see much talk on general model RR forums for the need to remove certain components on OEM circuit boards that interfere with running qualities of models, not just Rapido.
Here in Australia we seem to discuss this quite often on Facebook DCC groups when people suffer poor running of their models when fitting a decoder. \
This subject has been on international forums such as JMRI, NCE and SoundTraxx groups.io as well as reference sites such as ‘Wiring for DCC’.
Now straight up I am not an electrical expert but I have acquaintances who are and can talk long and hard on the subject.As a matter of course, I always remove the motor capacitor and inductors (chokes) if I am using the original circuit board for a plug in decoder. Usually, but maybe not always, C1 and L1, L2. These are the components on the newer RDC models and I have removed them from my model.
The gap left by the inductors need a wire soldered to the connection points to bridge the gap.
Sometimes certain components are on the removable plug that is removed when using a 21 pin decoder. My Rapido FP7 has the motor capacitor on this plug so only the inductors were removed.
These two components apparently are only a requirement for European countries where interference with other electronic devices are thought to be of concern - not certain of the USA and Canada requirements for this. Definitely not law in Australia.
I have witnessed the much better operation of several models before and after removal.
My preference is to replace the original board with a replacement ‘Atlas’ style board so I am free of constraints but as the lighting wiring on new models is getting very complicated (especially on my new Rapido RDC) I am starting to use the 21 pin types more.
I don’t suggest this is a ‘cure all’ for every poor running model but it is definitely worth thinking about and researching.
Remember that removal of such components will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Gary
