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I installed an MRC 1955 sound decoder in an N scale Atlas GP30. Sounds work fine, lights work fine, loco won't move? Side of the frame gets quite hot. This is not my first rodeo I have installed several decoders and the motor contacts are making connection with the decoder appropriately. Please spare me the MRC bashing I know their reputation but they have the best selection of sound decoders for N scale.
loco won't move? Side of the frame gets quite hot. .... the motor contacts are making connection with the decoder appropriately.
Have you measured the output of the decoder with a volt meter? I mean have you isolated the problem to either the motor or the decoder?
I have not. However, I have been using the loco for some time in DC and the motor was quiet and smooth.
Something is jammed into a gear or maybe between the motor and the motor frame. I once had the motor brush cap come off then I pushed it back in and the brush was caught at a weird angle and broke off. Had the same problem as you until I replaced it.
Is anything shorting to the frame or the motor? Most decoders have a motor isolation feature where if it sees that the motor or pickups are shorted, the decoder will not try to run the motor to prevent blowing the decoder.
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