Just to close the loop. I got a replacement V3.0 LokPilot decoder from ESU, removed the main board completely and the Rail truck now works fine. I'll need to get some resistors before I hook up the head- and tail- light LED's

Bill Dressler

 Nathan- thanks, It was indeed George's tips that I folllowed for the installation. I now understand others have had similar problems and neede to remove the factory board.  Bill

I'm having continued problems in installing a DCC decoder in the Rail Truck. I've tried both a LokPilot Basic and a LokPilot 3.0. I seem to have no speed control, it runs fast ot not at all. I've tried both 14 and 28 speed steps. On the  "Basic" decoder I tried adjusting the starting and max voltages but this had no effect , except that the decoder malfunctined after a couple of tries.  With the regular LokPilot, the decoder failed after I tried adjusting (turning off or reducing) the BEMF.  Neither decoder will now reset.

I haven't yet tried removing the board and just installing the decoder, but would like to avoid doing this if possible.  Are there capacitors on the board for the front truck that could be causing a problem?  Any suggestions would be appreciated. This should be a very simple install of the track, motor and light wires via the screw connectors.

Bill Dressler

Mike- Yes I meant the rail TRUCK. It doesn't have an 8-pin connector. The track leads go to screw terminals on the board. You simply  have to disconnect these and interpose the decoder between the rails and motor.

The capacitors on the Bachmann 2-8-0  and the Heisler were causing me to fry decoders on my MTS system. They were removed at the suggestion of others in this forum and this resoved the problem.

Bill Dressler

BTW -the 300 milliamp  figure I cited for the rail TRUCK in another post came from another forum and not Bachmann.

Yes Mike- I did mean the rail truck. The DCC schmetatic supplied with the truck states "Due to the small current rating of the Rail Truck, it is not necessary to install a higher current rated decoder. A standard 1 amp decoder is adequate for normal operation......"

Bill Dressler

Bachmann notes that HO type decoders are  indeed suitable for the railcar as it only draws 300 milliamps.

Bill dressler

I've installed Lokpilot Basic decoders in a number of small G-Scale novelty items 9 handcars, etc) with good success.  However when I put one in the Bachmann Railcar, I did not appear to have speed control. It was full on or stop. I installed as per the instructions. Adjusting CV's for starting.max voltages did not seem to help either. Are there noise suppression capacitors that need to be removed or do i have to turn off back EMF? I'm awaiting another decoder to test in the car.

Bill dressler

The front truck on my Heisler seems to stall frequently. It a relatively new loco and I don't think the problem is the side cylinders as others describe.On rollers it goes for a bit and then stops completely while the rear keeps going. I find that when I every so slightly push the most forward wheelset on the roller stand side to side I can start or stop the the truck. The very front wheelset appears to have a bit more side-to-side play than the rear one  (both on the forward truck) The gears are lubed and look fine. The brushes seem to "follow" the side to side play ok and conductive lubricant didn't help. Net I don't know whether I have a mechanical or an electrical problem. Suggestions to diagnose/fix would be appreciated.

P.S.-The loco has DCC installed and the noise supression capacitors have been removed

Thanks, Bill  Dressler

It was high speed diodes that were reccomended, for technical reasons I didn't fully follow. With regard to NMRA, MTS does now comply. I understand there is 27V tolerance limit for large scale, but no operating voltage standard. My point is that while compatability issues may easily be blamed on the "other guy", manufacturers, especially those now offering locos with installed decoders, could greatly enhance thier marketing opportunity by helping ensure compatability. Many potential CUSTOMERS may not have the skill, or interest in jury-rigging to enable operations on thier system. Surely if someone develops an attractive product, they want to ensure as many people as possible  would consider buying it.

Thanks for the prompt feedback on my questions

Bill Dressler

Thanks, that is what I've heard. I've seen some circuit diagrams on Tony's  Trains website but am a little confused by differences on the text explanation  and the diagrams. The text says 1 or 2 diodes , the diagrams show 2 or 4 in what looks to be a bridge rectifier arrangement. I've also heard discussion about the possible need for high speed diodes.

That is why I'd be interested to hear of someone's success with this, and installation specifics. Its more of an observation than a gripe, but  one would think the mfgrs would follow thru on compatability issues to increase thier potential market base. Seems like all of the  DCC players have a myopic focus on thier own niche market and make the buyer "worK' in order to obtain compatability with  another system. ESU appears to be an exception , however. I may avoid the Shay issue by installing a Loksound decoder in the non-sound version.

Bill Dressler

Has anyone had sucess in operating the Sountraxx version  of the new Shay using MTS. I've heard that people get a flashing headlight at the higher voltage ( about 23V DCC). I understand a possible fix is to reduce the voltage with diodes on the track pikcups but have yet to hear whether this works. I sure there are lots of of others ( potential customers) that would like to have a  confirmed answer on a fix.

Bill Dressler

Make sure you remove the capacitors on the motor. If not you can blow the Decoder.  A St Albins installer didn't know that and we went back and forth for 2 years.!!!!
I Don't use that insaller anymore and take my own chances