While relatively happy with the recently purchased Piko DCC system, but only used sparingly, the analogue controller is another issue. Several days ago I opened the package to actually test the system. First impression. When initially applying power, the controller sends a full voltage power spike (23 volts) to the rails. Any locomotive on the rails will take off like a jackrabbit for a metre or so. Hardly good for the locomotive drive. If power is turned off and then reinstated several minutes later, the spike is not present. It seems the controller needs to be unpowered for more than a couple of minutes to initiate the 'power up' spike. This is both with or without the Navigator handpiece installed.
Secondly, there is an anomaly with using the Piko Navigator with the analogue controller. If the system is initially powered up with the Navigator turned off then the Navigator is unable to find the radio signal and reports back that R/C is inoperative. It is obvious that the receiver is on standby as the power indicator light is flashing. I have found that when using the Navigator for the initial power up of the controller, then the Navigator is required to be turned on. It will then report that R/C is disabled. The controller is then powered up, thus powering the receiver (make sure no locomotives on the rails as full power spike sent to rails). The Navigator is then turned off and then turned back on. The Navigator now 'sees' the R/C signal and is ready to transmit.
Based on my findings with the system that I purchased I would look to other brandname systems. I have never seen a system that power spikes the rails when powering up. This requires the operator to basically ensure no locomotives on the rails (not practical) or to isolate any locomotive on the rails when powering up initially (also hardly practical). The system is unlike any other analogue controller that I have ever used and does put a sour taste in my mouth as it is likely faulty but then there are no feedback reports from other users to enable me to determine the staus of my unit or if this is 'normal'. My advice - look elsewhere!!!!!
Secondly, there is an anomaly with using the Piko Navigator with the analogue controller. If the system is initially powered up with the Navigator turned off then the Navigator is unable to find the radio signal and reports back that R/C is inoperative. It is obvious that the receiver is on standby as the power indicator light is flashing. I have found that when using the Navigator for the initial power up of the controller, then the Navigator is required to be turned on. It will then report that R/C is disabled. The controller is then powered up, thus powering the receiver (make sure no locomotives on the rails as full power spike sent to rails). The Navigator is then turned off and then turned back on. The Navigator now 'sees' the R/C signal and is ready to transmit.
Based on my findings with the system that I purchased I would look to other brandname systems. I have never seen a system that power spikes the rails when powering up. This requires the operator to basically ensure no locomotives on the rails (not practical) or to isolate any locomotive on the rails when powering up initially (also hardly practical). The system is unlike any other analogue controller that I have ever used and does put a sour taste in my mouth as it is likely faulty but then there are no feedback reports from other users to enable me to determine the staus of my unit or if this is 'normal'. My advice - look elsewhere!!!!!
