RailPro Reset

[rsmproductions]

I think I've posted previously that my LGB Forney has been working beautifully for the past few years, and up until December when it started to malfunction.  The engine might travel 10 - 15 feet then stall.  Sound was still working on the RailPro.  So, I took the powered trucks and cleaned the contacts with an electric contact cleaner spray.  I put the engine on some rollers that I have and it seemed to work well.  I left everything alone until this past week and decided to put the engine on my trestle (it's the cleanest part of my mainline) and was dismayed that the engine only traveled 10 feet before stopping.  No voltage reading on the handheld...

So question...would resetting the RP module be of any help before I tear into the engine?  Also an FYI that the RP module is housed in the boiler.  It's run great for several years now so am not sure where to start...so hence the resetting question.

Thanks,
Richard

[G8B4Life]

I don't believe resetting the module will  do anything of use in this situation, all resetting can do is reset any settings that you've changed from the default install of the module. As far as I know resetting doesn't "factory reset" anything to do with the module firmware (I suspect that you'd have to re-download the modules firmware to accomplish that).

It certainly can't hurt to reset the module though, you'll just have to re setup all your changes again.

- Tim

[rsmproductions]

I made sure the battery to the engine and the handheld was charged.  Ran a test this morning first on the rollers and the engine seemed to run and run.  Put on the track and it ran for about 20 feet and stalled.  Checked the voltage on the handheld and it reported no faults and was registering voltage when it was running.  When it stalled the voltage went to zero and headlight and backlight (depending on the direction) would turn off. 

[rsmproductions]

Just finished running the engine on rollers for about 20 minutes with no issues.  So something is happening when it is fully placed on the track.  Have club member coming tomorrow to help with further troubleshooting.

[gregeusa]

Clearly the first thing "different" is that the loco will draw more current moving itself, vs spinning rollers.

How about laying the loco upside down in a cradle, applying power, testing (your control test)... then use somthing on the driver like a piece of wood, and apply drag for 10 minutes...

That would prove that more current draw is the issue.

If that does not do it, then start looking elsewhere...

Greg

[rsmproductions]

I set up an 8' banquet table and set the engine on it without rollers or track.  It ran just fine.  Took out to the layout and it wouldn't run.  I then put it back on the table but this time on a piece of straight track.  No go...placed the engine just on the table and no issues.  So there is a short somewhere in the motor/power trucks area.