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This is listed under the Trouble shooting manual on a Soundtraxx ECONAMI decoder as to why I have an overload: Error 12: Motor Overload Fault. The motor current is monitored during normal operation to automatically deactivate motorprocesses when the current exceeds the decoder’s rating. Power is returned to the motor after100ms. The motor remains inactive if current-overload persists.
What is 100ms?
JRP
100 milliseconds. Not very long. The quick blink of an eye.
ok, thanks. I am still not sure how to find and eliminate an overload on what was once an Athearn motor and
ECO decoder. Is there an easy way to find this out? I have taken apart an entire loco and put it back together only
to still see both red lights come on, with one flashing. Soundtraxx CS says it's an overload. But where??
The overload is probably the Athearn motor itself. I measured several BB motors, and most of them were close to or at 2.0 amps at full stall under DC. That is probably more than the rating for the decoder. The only solution I can think of is to replace the motor with a can motor, which usually draw much less current. Only way to tell would be to disconnect the decoder from the motor and measure the current with an ammeter at full stall under DC.
Agree with trailrider. I’ve converted about six BB locos, and I had to remotor two of them for different reasons. I tire of converting blue boxes, if I didn’t have custom freelanced road paint jobs, I wouldn’t have done it; I would really rather just buy a new locomotive. Converting a blue box takes more patience than I have I think.
You may also have to deal with cracked axil gears, hard/cracked motor mounts, and not having enough space for speakers and keep-alives.
I am still not sure how to find and eliminate an overload on what was once an Athearn motor and
ECO decoder. Is there an easy way to find this out? I have taken apart an entire loco and put it back together only
to still see both red lights come on, with one flashing. Soundtraxx CS says it's an overload. But where??
I think I would disconnect the motor leads from the decoder. That will immediately show if it is the motor or something else.
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