jal
New Member
Posts: 7 
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Post by jal on Oct 19, 2017 11:41:52 GMT -5
Hi,
I've bought 6 of the new RDCs over the last few months and I'm not sure if they are working correctly. They seem louder than expected and I'm wondering if it's an electrical problem?
2 CN - these are okay, again, louder than expected but not bad
2 VIA - similar but maybe a little louder than the CN
1 VIA - makes an audible buzzing when cornering
1 VIA - very quiet but I noticed last night that the lights aren't working which makes me think the noise from the others is electrical
I also have a first run RDC which is quieter than all of these. This is all on a Rokuhan track with a standard powerpack.
Am I imagining things? Are there any known problems? Thanks.
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Post by markm on Oct 19, 2017 12:16:16 GMT -5
jal,
Welcome to the group. Sorry to read about the noise. I haven't seen (or rather heard) this, but I have only one of the 2nd run RDCs. The AZL people may have more information. But in the meantime some thoughts.
I know it's obvious but, for the noise, have you checked the trucks for hair and dirt? If these are factory fresh, have you run them in a break-in cycle: about 15 minutes each direction at half throttle? Frequently new Z scale locos will run poorly for the first few minutes of operation.
When you say a standard power pack, I am assuming you mean a Rokuhan unit. Rokuhan throttles have a high frequency signal imposed over the DC output. This is used for their constant lighting option for some of their rolling stock. There is a small possibility this signal is causing vibrations. Disconnect your power pack from the track and try connecting a 9V battery across the rails. Does the noise go away?
Mark
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Post by BAZman on Oct 19, 2017 14:55:35 GMT -5
Power supply 'types' - maybe. The early release ran quite though. 9V battery definitely will validate.
What radius are running them on? 145mm (not vary common) will tax them.
We assume each one was independently run?
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Post by ztrack on Oct 19, 2017 19:40:08 GMT -5
The new run of RDCs have a very different design than the first runs. The electric pickup has changed considerable with leads actually soldered to the trucks. This can cause a some binding should the wires from the trucks fall between the chassis and shell. Noise is typical though. As the RDCs break in, they will run quite and smoother.
Jeff does bring up a good point. What is the radius you are running them on? Tight radius will cause binding issues.
Rob
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jal
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by jal on Oct 23, 2017 0:07:29 GMT -5
Hi all,
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm running them on 220 so no issue there. Yes, it a Rokuhan RC-01 powerpack. I cleaned the track (which was filthy) and examined them for loose wires, debris, etc. I didn't know about the battery trick but that just confirmed that some are louder than others. I ran them for 15-20 minutes each direction and these are the results:
3 VIA - maybe slightly less noise but still above what I expected
1 VIA - sound level good
1 CN - sound level good
1 CN - much, much worse. Sounds like something is binding. Guess I'll buy some lubricant see if that helps.
I'll keep running them to break them in but I am kind of disappointed if this is the standard sound level. My first run RDC and GP38's are whisper quiet so I was expecting the same from these. Thanks again for the advice.
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Post by rburton on Nov 9, 2017 18:10:52 GMT -5
Hi guys,I just tested my two rdc VIA rail, one of them runs fine but no headlight in both directions. Does anyone have the same problem? How to remove the body from the frame without damaging it?
Roby.
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jal
New Member
Posts: 7
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Post by jal on Nov 11, 2017 10:53:18 GMT -5
Hi guys,I just tested my two rdc VIA rail, one of them runs fine but no headlight in both directions. Does anyone have the same problem? How to remove the body from the frame without damaging it? Roby. I had the same problem with no lights on one of mine. Removing and reseating the shell fixed it and the headlights started working again. The body should come off very easily. I normally just flip them over, stick my thumbnails into the side between the shell and chassis, and pull up on the wheel with my forefingers. |
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Post by rburton on Nov 11, 2017 18:52:51 GMT -5
Thanks a lot, defect was a bad contact btw. PCB and the external copper frame.
Now it run with both headlight😁
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