RailPro > RailPro Specific Help & Discussion
Installing RailPro in a USA Trains Alco PA-B
gregeusa:
Stating that since Don Sweet says one decoder can run 2 LGB locos is way different than 2 USAT locos.
Clearly neither party involved knows the famous current draw of USA Trains, or that for years a DCC decoder manufacturer only warranted their 8 amp decoder in USAT locos, not the 4 amp unit.
LGB locos are famous for their low current motors, often averaging 1 amp each or less (notice the 1 amp power supply in LGB starter sets).
Now come to USAT, notice they sell a 10 amp transformer. They are equally famous for their high current draw and high stall current motors.
You need to research the actual loco, but this will do:
http://girr.org/girr/tips/tips12/usa_f3_tips.html
What is the warranty on RailPro?
Greg
trainman605:
True, I do see where like locos (same brand and motors, etc) would probably work regarding power needs for each loco, but different brands would not work as you would have no way to adjust power requirement for each engine as you only have one module to work with. If I wasn't only using LGB engines of like power units then I would most likely put a module in each loco as it would be the only way to adjust the power needs for each loco with a module in each. The original question was for FA and FB to run together, both same manufactured engines being the same, now changing that engine arrangement would be a total different scenario.
trainman
gregeusa:
My point is that 2 USAT locos is most likely over the capability of the RP decoder. Get one per loco.
The USAT locos are 2 to 3 times the current in normal running and maybe 10-20 times the stall current.
Greg
rsmproductions:
Greetings Gentlemen,
I appreciate all of your suggestions. Sorry I have not responded back until now (months later). I am a teacher just finishing 31 years and haven't been yet able to regulate career life with my hobby of garden railroading ;D. The USA PA-B is still on my work bench. Thankfully I have a fellow railroader that is patient. I'm hoping to get things running this week.
Richard
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[*] Previous page
Go to full version