Proto 2000 Electrical Question

[Vic]

The Robber Barron is baffled!!!

My friend bought a Proto 2000 E8 from the LHS that doesn't know beans about trains. It was on sale for $30 bucks and there were no instructions in the box. It won't run. It has one of those simulated gyro-lites that does work.

What is that massive curcuit board in the rear of the loco for? Is it a decoder or just the circuit for the gyro-lite? I suspect the problem lies there but I am recluctant to try to get around it until I know for sure. My friend does not use DCC.

 

[shaygetz]

If it's set up for plug-n-play decoders, check to see if the little 8 pin "shorting" plug for regular DC use is installed.

 

[jon-monon]

Vic, I'll bet lifelike would send you an instruction sheet for free. They sent 'em to me, and in fact sent free parts, then when the parts didn't fit a free loco No questions asked! Well, they did ask for my address.

 

[Vic]

Thanks for the information Shay and Jon.

Shay, the shorting plug is in place but I didn't know what it was for. I'm betting that is where the problem is as I get no power to the motor and I'll bet that one or more of those pins are not making contact. I can "jumper" the motor to the trucks and it runs fine. I'll check it out.

Oh Me!! ops: Whatever happend to locos with 2 wires

 

[60103]

Vic: do you need info on what the shorting plug should be shorting?
One wire on each side goes to the wheels; one wire on each side goes to the motor; the other wires do silly things with the lights. You should be able to look at it and decide, unless the wires are all hidden.

 

[shaygetz]

Originally posted by Vic
Oh Me!! ops: Whatever happend to locos with 2 wires

Hee, hee...ever wonder why Model Railroader magazine stopped using the motto, "Model Railroading is Fun." Ha, Ha, Hee, Hee, Ho, Ho, they're coming to take me away to the funny farm....

Try turning the plug 180 degrees.

 

[Vic]

Thanks David and thanks again Shay.

Its gonna be Monday before I get back to the loco. In my frustration with the thing I went and left it over at my friend's house and they have gone off for the weekend.

I'll report back on the results.

 

[philip]

Vic: This is a hard one to work on. I ran mine off the rail and it hit the floor/shattered to pieces. had it on the bench for a week fixing it back up. Really good out fit as far as service and parts ...couldn't be happier.

If the one schematic isn't clear enough e-mail me and I'll get a good copy to you.
this is page 8

 

[philip]

 

[philip]

 

[philip]

 

[Vic]

Thanks for the information Phillip

 

[philip]

Vic: Your welcome

philip

 

[Vic]

Fixed It !!!

Hot Dog!!! Its up and running :thumb: Thanks to everyone who offered their advice!!

The problem was in the shorting plug. There was a solder "bridge" between two of the pins. It was finer than a frog' hair and I only detected it by looking at the plug under a magnifier.

My friend was so happy that he grilled us T-Bones for supper

 

[shaygetz]

Re: Fixed It !!!

Originally posted by Vic
My friend was so happy that he grilled us T-Bones for supper

"US" does include me, Jon and Phillip...right?

 

[Vic]

Re: Re: Fixed It !!!

Originally posted by shaygetz


"US" does include me, Jon and Phillip...right?

But of course it does.... I just e-mailed a couple to each of you...hope you have a big mail box 'cause I put some 'taters in there too!!!

 

[philip]

fixed

Good deal. Glad to help out. I love those proto E-8.
How was the T-bone?

philip

 

[shaygetz]

Lea and Perrins steak sauce ready and waitin'... :thumb: Glad it worked out, I will definately file that cure in my Proto 2000 troubleshooting checklist :thumb: