Hi all,

I've been having an occasional problem with my MS2 shutting off (activating stop) while trains are running. I've only noticed the issue since I got the California Zephyr (Marklin 26600). If I just run the CZ (even with lights, sound, coaches and tail lights on), no problem. If I start running another loco(s), sometimes it's an issue.

I thought perhaps I had reached the load limit for the MS2, but now I'm not sure that's the case. Since I have two MS2, I set one up to watch "main" as the trains are running. With the CZ running "full tilt" (up a grade, 40% speed, lights on, sounds on, coaches and coach tail lights on), it's generally drawing around 0.7 to 0.8 amps. The problems seem to occur when I add just a bit more load (another DCM mfx loco or two), generally bringing me to around 1.0-1.1 amps. If I load the system harder than I would during normal use (5 locos running, all fx/mfx, no Delta), plus a ton of lighted coaches (CZ plus 3 more with standard bulbs), I can get up around 1.6-1.7 amps, but I don't seem to see any shutoff problems at this load (although I could test it for longer). I have not noticed a pattern to the shutoff (trains in the same place, etc). I do not hear the buzzing you here before it shuts off on a short. I don't have any non powered locos on the track during these experiences (ie. the decoder using some juice while the train is stationary).

The MS2 just goes into stop, no indication as to why. If I resume it, everything runs again, it seems to stop at a random interval. I was wondering if maybe there is a momentary spike that runs it up to 1.9 amps (I believe this is the max for MS2), stopping it, but not registering on the screen? Or if there is another cause (something with the CZ, but I would expect it to be more consistent, and it runs fine on it's own).

For reference, I am using the 66365 30va power supply for MS2. I don't run any solenoid accessories, etc with it, just track power.

Thanks in advance,

Edit: MS2 software version is 1.83

-Brandon

Hrm, I'll have to watch the temperature and see if there is a pattern. I wonder what the max operating temp for the MS2 is?

-Brandon

Hi!
The maximum output of the trackbox is 1.9 A, but the nominal output of the power supply is only 1.67 A (30 VA / 18 V) - and each MS2 requires 0.05 A.

Just guessing: it could be that the overload protection of the 66365 reduces the output voltage - and the track box detects this and switches off.

I'm convinced that the MS1 checked the input voltage and I wouldn't be surprised if the MS2 did, too.

Anyway you cannot expect more than 1.6 A continuous track output from your track box with the power supply you currently use.

Hi Brandon,

I had a similar problem a few years ago with a BR 216 that was drawing more power than it should. It turned out to be a gunked up motor, lots of carpet fibers in the gears. That's probably not the case with your CZ F7's but I would check the power trucks to see if maybe they need cleaning and some fresh oil.

The sound module is behaving normally, I can always tell when the CS2 boots up when we have have an older sound module loco on the layout, they all seem to make that dead air noise.

Cheers,

Gordon

Higher current draw could be caused by a mechanical problem (as already mentioned: hardened oil or fibers/hairs). Or by carbon dust between the collector plates (carbon dust will stick if collector or brushes are oily but should fly away if everything is dry).

Not sure if this could be related to type of decoder. Decoder feeds motor with short pulses of full power.
With older mouse-piano decoders (WP CZ) the pulses are much longer (IIRC less than 1 kHz) than with current decoders (20 through 40 kHz).

What type of decoder does the V 60 have? Mouse piano? mfx?

It takes an oscilloscope to verify or falsify my theory - and I don't have one.
Decoders do work as described here, but I don't know if this can lead to a STOP on the MS2 even though average load is much lower.

Hi Brandon,

Problem:

Like you I am operating my layout with a pair of MS2 plus railbox, initially only having one feeder point for more than 20 m of track. I never experienced any MS2 performance problems when running European equipment. Up to five locos with lights and sound and one lighted push-pull coach never caused any shut-off. Then came Americana locos, and I suffered the same as you: More than two locos and the MS2 shut off after one minute. The 37611/49611 PA1 couple behaved like your WP CZ ABB F7 consist (great acronyms here) with the engine sound grumbling latently. The digitalized blue-bonneted twin-engined F7 ABA 3362 proved to be a demanding consumer. Only the F7 AB 37622 behaved. As a first problem solving attempt I installed a feeder cable "ring road" with additional track feeder points - to no avail.

Solution:

I found my salvation with a cheap homemade booster solution - without soldering, just cabling - by hooking up a Maerklin Delta Control 4f (Art. 66045, ebayed for EUR 10 plus freight) with a Maerklin transformer (32VA is sufficient).

Caveat:

In principle this allows to power two separate track sections which MUST be isolated from each other. This is important and - in my view - annoying. Therefore, I decided to use exclusively the booster output: For "security reasons", in my approach there is a strict firewall between the railbox and the tracks, i.e. ABSOLUTELY NO railbox red cable connected to any track - see attached drawing. Then, besides the cabling, the decisive "trick" is to put the selector switch on the 66045 Delta Control in the RIGHT HAND "OFF" position (fully clockwise). I attach also a photo of the cabling between Delta Control 4f and transformer (I used a 60VA version which I had readily available, but as stated above 32VA would suffice)

---

Might sound irritating at first, but it did the trick for me: Sufficient power everywhere without any MS2 stalling.

Good luck - Ak


P.S.: The railbox ouput could be fed to an isolated piece of track for having a programming track for new locos (as programming is not possible in the booster powered track section). As a temporary solution when programming, I disconnect the booster from the track and connect the railbox instead.

P.P.S.: This approach was more or less superficially treated twice in the forum:
https://www.marklin-user...osts&t=1256#post1256
https://www.marklin-user...mericana.aspx#post437218

P.P.P.S.:
As one could witness in my latest Slumburg layout video, this solution allows for running all my Santa Fe monster locos (37611/49611, 3362, 37622 and 2 x 33622) at once.

Earth to Brandon,

Initially, I used to use the new modern shiny advanced Maerklin power pack 36 VA (Nr. 66361) to fire up the railbox connected in turn to 2 x MS2.