[BromsMods]

Gordon

That is extremely useful and informative and explains a lot to me.

However, as a non-electric expert, can you explain why it is that, in general, I don't find it necessary to remove capacitors from Hornby and Heljan locos but Bachmann always run better with them removed. Indeed, Bachmann even recommend removal on their website. Has this something to do with the type of motor and/or circuitry used by different manufacturers?

Regards

John R
Bromsgrove Models

 

[BromsMods]

QUOTE (Hugh Williams @ 26 Jul 2007, 21:29) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Note: from experience Bachmann locos don't seem happy with TCS decoders and capacitors,

From the TCS website:

Technical explanation. The capacitors are placed in the circuit by Bachmann for the purpose of reducing the possibility that electrical noise generated by the motor when running would interfere with a TV or radio or cell phone or possibly some other electronic device. All TCS decoders have this capacitor built into the decoder and there for external capacitors are not needed. The TCS decoder is tuned to work with its own internal capacitor in operation. With external capacitors applied in the circuit the result is a de tuning which results in poor speed control. That is why the Bachmann applied capacitors need to be removed. The internal decoder capacitor reduces the possibility of electrical interference so there is no harm in removing the external capacitors.

Which explains the problems you experienced with the TCS decoders!

Doesn't explain why the decoders work OK with Hornby and Heljan, as I queried in an earlier contribution to this thread.

Regards

John R
Bromsgrove Models