Piko 218 problems

[scook]

Hi all,

I’ve got a Piko 218 and have fitted a massoth xl decoder and the Piko digital sound card connected via the susi socket. Everything works fine, but every 3/4 mins the loco comes to a stop, then after about a minute it restarts. The sound still plays whilst it is static. This has happened whilst pulling 2.6 amps and 1.8/2. Any ideas?




Thanks Sam

 

[PhilP]

Hi Sam,

The Massoth XLS is rated for 3A.
I suspect it is getting hot, and shutting down the drive to the motors. - SUSI is still being fed..

2.8A seems excessive, even for a pair of Piko motors?
I suspect you have a fault of some description, or a 'sick' motor?

PhilP.

 

[andyspencer]

I'd agree with Phil, that sounds quite high current draw - is this light engine or with like 20+ wagons on the back?
It does sound like the decoder is tripping its motor overload which then resets after a period of time. Depending how the decoder has been installed, this can have a bearing on how it performs under load. I've seen far too many decoders tightly wrapped up in ducktape which doesn't allow any heat to dissipate..