Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Sept 30, 2023 7:28:06 GMT -5
S.O.S.
Snail Speed Controller, MTL feed track, Snail AC adapter or 9V battery ... no locomotive runs. Blue light blinks on Controller. Green light steady on Snail AC adaptor. Swapped different Snail Controllers, differnt Snail AC adapters, different feed track sections, differnet locomotives, different brands of locomotive, etc. ... no locomotive runs.
Any suggestions?
Scott
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Post by ztrack on Sept 30, 2023 9:30:38 GMT -5
Scott it sounds like you have a short somewhere. What is track plan? Try this, pull out a straight section and then try a running the loco on a short section only.
If is still does not run, maybe something is wrong with the feeder track. Just touch the rails with the two wires from the controller and see if the trains operate.
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Post by BAZman on Sept 30, 2023 11:56:27 GMT -5
Scott,
Is this new track plan and 1st time running? Read below. If it was running, what did you change or, is something on/in the track (very small strand of wire, etc).
You mentioned ‘different’ feeder sections and it still won’t run. Did you change the design?
So the track itself can be tested by breaking out sections, i.e. a feeder track only, then connect one end back in. If still a short, disconnect that side and connect the other end of the feeder to that other side of track (testing if: whole layout or partial section).
Are there any Reversing loops?
All MTL track?
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Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Sept 30, 2023 16:40:29 GMT -5
Thank you.
Double track loop. All MTL track.
Breaking in feed track sections. Previously used terminal rail joiners which were too delicate. Figured feed tracks more durable than terminal rail joiners.
Connected wires to the MTL feed track following this guy’s lead (Pardon the pun.):
RE: Ztrack Admin: Outlet in room possible issue. I note that cell phone charges zippy-quick using one particular outlet in the kitchen. Will test a length of sectional track in kitchen using outlet used for charging cell phone and as a single dedicated source of power.
Touched rails with wires. Touched contacts on feed track with wires. Not sure if saw tiny spark or reflection of a lamp. Magnifying headgear not used.
RE: Jeff: Three different feed tracks were spliced into a loop for independent tests. (Swapping.)
Ztrack Admin and Jeff: Will have to try MTL feed track with MTL straight sections connected at either end and using power from a wall outlet elsewhere and using that outlet only for the AC adapter.
But wait. I went out to an all night market and purchased a Duracell 9V battery. Wonder why the Snail Speed Controller didn’t power then. Truck of different locomotives placed on feed track.
Greatly appreciated,
Scott
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Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Oct 1, 2023 5:25:06 GMT -5
No locomotives run. …
AC adapter and Snail Speed Controller—The only thing plugged into a kitchen outlet that charges my cell phone right quick.
MTL feed track extended with two MTL straights connected at either end.
Used magnifying headgear to check rail joiners, to twist wires, and to thread contacts in the feed track. Contact levers on feed track pressed against twisted wire crooks to ensure a secure connection.
Tested locomotives using feed track as starting point and tested locomotives using connected sectional track as starting point.
Result: Faint staccato motor sound for each; MTL F7, AZL GP30, and AZL RDC-1.
With 9V battery or AC adaptor, blue light blinks on Snail Speed Controller.
Blue light appears constant in this video:
Any suggestions?
Scott
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Post by rvn2001 on Oct 1, 2023 6:06:11 GMT -5
I would like to suggest that you try to run the locomotives with just the 9-volt battery. Do not put them on the track just touch the battery to the locomotive wheels. If all of your locomotives work disconnect the snail speed controller from the track. Put one of the locomotives on the track and touch the track with just the 9-volt battery. If the locomotives run on the track with the 9-volt battery, the problem is probably with either the snail speed controller or the AC adapter.
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Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Oct 14, 2023 3:06:25 GMT -5
SNAIL SPEED CONTROLLERS AND ADAPTERS REPLACEMENT
• Sixteen-gauge wire—Obtained a coil from Big Orange.
• Modified RailPower 1300 power packs—Delivered.
SETUP
• Stripped and twisted wire ends attached to terminal screws on power pack and threaded through clips on MTL feed track. wire crooked (clockwise) on terminal screws and tightened. Wire on feed track crooked and clips pressed down on wire. Feed track joined with a length of track.
RESULT
• (Most) F3s, (most) F7s, RDC-1, GP30, SW1500, and GP38-2s run only with a tap much like tapping a mouse in a race in a flea market.
• E7s and E8s run with no intervention.
• Only one headlight (“nostril”) working on the long hood of a GP38-2.
• Those working have a hum (however faint) when power is added.
NO RUN
• No run—One of the B units for the Super Chief (No run. No hum.).
• No run—The 9960-C unit for the California Zephyr (No run. No hum.).
NOTES
• Sixteen-gauge is the last large hole on the fine gauge wire cutter ev’ry model railroader seems to have.
• Modified RailPower 1300s have inscription “Modified By: Micro-Trains Line” and a yellow label.
• Non-working 9960-C unit for the California Zephyr C was a source of embarrassment as it was given as a gift over the holidays.
AZL locos look lovely. They look much more lovely sitting on track. They look much much more lovely running on track.
No one knows why the blue light on my Snails blink (and do nothing for locomotives) while the blue light on a Snail remains constant for a guy on YouTube.
Perhaps a credit is due from a place in Ohio.
The Rokuhan Not Taken,
Scott
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Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Oct 14, 2023 3:24:20 GMT -5
PS: Thank you Rvn2001. Brand new 9V battery touching track seems to have an effect but nothing substantial enough to power a locomotive on the track. (Brand new brand name batteries used.)
PPS: GP7s run with no intervention.
PPPS: Why are some GP7s not shown on the AZL website?! They are gorgeous critters with unique packaging and … They run!
Scott
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Post by ztrack on Oct 14, 2023 13:01:16 GMT -5
Likely the two locomotives that aren't running need the PCB reset. We have a video on how to do so .
It is highly unusual that multiple Snails do not function. You can email me directly so we can troubleshhot. The email is sales@ztrack.com
Note, lately we have had customers use their own adapters with the SNAILS. It is very important to only use the adapter we offer otherwise there is risk to damaging the electronics.
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Scott
Engineer
Posts: 196
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Post by Scott on Oct 14, 2023 15:31:33 GMT -5
Thank you, Ztrack.
I am grateful for your touching base with me.
I shall follow up with the email.
Most appreciatively,
Scott
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