RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion

Sudden motor overload errors

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KiloWhiskey:
my Kato -9 suddenly started doing current overload on initiating movement. I checked connections and all seem intact. Any Ideas where to start?

CPRail:
It's doubtful with a Kato, but any binding in the drive train?

KiloWhiskey:
No binding, smooth and free turning

Alan:
Closely inspect the wires between LM and motor.

G8B4Life:
If everything in the drivetrain is free and all wires are checked it sounds like a motor that is developing a fault (yes, even Kato motors can go bad). The LM could be developing a fault too so also check that out as well.

To start troubleshooting I'd start the loco moving while watching the info screen and see what current it's drawing (I wish that info screen would give a number and not just a bar meter!). You can then raise the motor load value manually and see if the overload warning disappears. If that works don't just leave it raised though without positively identifying the cause as leaving it raised would just be masking the symptoms which could lead to a much quicker motor death and is not a good idea.

If you can remember what it was set to previously I'd also check and see that the motor load value has not somehow been magically altered or reset.

If you have another Kato you could try and measure the resistance across the windings of each and see if they differ greatly (eg, known good motor was 30 ohms and overloading motor was 10 ohms) but it is a bit difficult to get a stable reading anyway so it might not be much help.  I've also read of a convoluted way by measuring current draw and voltage and applying ohms law but that would require removing the motor from the model for testing.

And of course if you have a spare LM around try that too just to rule out the LM having problems.

- Tim

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