Lionel Trains - Lionel Train Forum - Model Train Forum

Lionel Trains Workshop => Beginners Q & A => Topic started by: mkpellegrino on June 24, 2020, 10:18:55 am

Title: Re: Technical Question re: SW1803000-Q04 18V
Post by: mkpellegrino on June 24, 2020, 01:01:48 pm

Thanks for the 'welcome' and the quick response! 
I'll try getting a new Power Supply and post an update.
     Thank you!
          - Mike

Title: Re: Technical Question re: SW1803000-Q04 18V
Post by: TrainLarry on June 24, 2020, 11:38:41 am

Welcome to the forum!

With the power supply disconnected from the track, if the voltage reading on it is not steady, the power supply is bad.

I recommend replacing the power supply with a transformer such as the CW-80. It has more power available, and the ability to operate accessories should you add any in the future.


Larry

Title: Technical Question re: SW1803000-Q04 18V
Post by: mkpellegrino on June 24, 2020, 10:18:55 am

Hi - Noob here.
 
   My son got a set for Christmas 2019.
   We've used it < 50 times since.
   Yesterday it started acting funny.  He'd put the engine on the track and move it FWD with the controller.
   It would move FWD about an inch or so and then stop and not move again.
   Initially I suspected that the track pieces weren't fully connected, but it happened again after I checked those.
   I then put a multimeter on the tracks - the voltage went up and then to zero -- up and then back to zero -- over and over again.
   I then checked the power supply with the multimeter.  Same thing... voltage - then zero - voltage - then zero ... forever.

   I thinking that the power supply is the problem.

   My question:
        Should the voltage be constant from the power supply?

                            - Mike Pellegrino - Beverly, Mass.  USA