|
|
|
|
Speed Matching Locomotives Once the decoder is installed in the locomotive, the job isn’t completely done. To get locomotives so that they can be used in consists (multiple locomotives running together) , they need to be ‘speed matched’. This includes locomotives from the same manufacturer and even the same locomotive model. Depending on the motor, gears, and amount of runtime (drag), most locomotives will run at different speeds. If hooked into a consist, the faster locomotive(s) will attempt to pull the slower locomotive(s) causing wheel slip, decreased pulling effort, overheated motors, and possible decoder failure. Fortunately, decoders have the ability to speed match locomotives built in. The simple way is to use CVs-2 (starting speed), 5 (top speed), and 6 (mid speed). There are two different methods of speed matching locomotives: either by having a "standard" locomotive and then adjusting the other locomotive speeds to match or by using a standard length of track and figuring out the speed by timing the locomotive. For the club, it just seemed to make more sense to use the timing method. By using Atlas 11 radius snap track, anyone (who wanted to) could build their own speed matching track, although the club also has one for member use. Using Atlas 11” radius snap track, we have a fixed, consistent diameter loop of track for testing. Next is to determine the circumference of the circle: 11 inch radius circle of track = 69.12 inches (2Rx3.14) So now we can create a scale speed chart based on the distance:
Using OPS mode programming and start by setting CVs 2 thru 6 to "0". Next get locomotive creeping; read throttle setting (DT throttle reads in %); multiply 255 X throttle reading/100 - use |