Atlas/Tomix Track Cleaning Car - What is the "CL" switch position?

[Scottl]

OK, thanks for the clarification.  I did not know about the address 00 function. 

With the Tomix cleaner, you still need a locomotive to push/pull it.  Will locomotives with DCC decoders work with address 00 enabled? 

[MK]

Yes, your DCC loco will work normally.  As well as any other DCC loco on the layout.  The Tomix will be "seen" as a DC analog locomotive by the DCC command station.

[C855B]

I just tested both of mine, one "Atlas" from many years ago, one recent official Tomix. They operated identically.

They have a bridge rectifier already. Rotation of motor does not change with DC polarity. Place it on DCC track, it runs fine when you turn it on, at full-ish speed. IOW, no need for 00, it made no difference anyway! DCC motor speed is the same as 14.5V DC, which was around 75% on an MRC Tech 4. Current draw is ~200mA @ 14.5VDC with the vacuum disk. I did not try it with a "loaded" abrasive or polishing disk, but I suspect you would want up to 500mA overhead in that case.

I personally don't see the point of putting a decoder in them unless you want to control the motor speed for using the polishing pad, etc., or, like I plan, to gussy 'em up with strobes and/or a headlight. The "no DCC" warning may be in recognition that you don't want to run at full speed with the pads, especially the sandpaper. They should work fine as track vacuums on DCC without much worry - turn it on from the roof switch and go. I noticed no difference between 'ON' and 'CL'. One of mine was exhibiting a bit of bearing squall at higher speeds, so they could stand a touch of oil.

The fan generates enough of a breeze at higher throttle to move itself. 

[Scottl]

Awesome, thanks for checking!  I need to see if my NCE system has this address zero mode.   I have only ever used it in DCC mode with decoder-equipped locomotives.

[MK]

Good info there Mike.  I have an Atlas one that I got 10 years ago but never had the opportunity to use it.  It's in a draw somewhere.  And "one day I'll put a decoder in it".  Sounds like why bother and just throw it on the tracks and use it.  I don't plan to use the sanding disk anyway.  Mainly just the vacuum as I have a Centerline cleaning car anyway.

[peteski]

Awesome, thanks for checking!  I need to see if my NCE system has this address zero mode.   I have only ever used it in DCC mode with decoder-equipped locomotives.

The NCE Power Cab does not have the zero-stretching address 00 mode. Not sure if the larger NCE systems support it or not. Many DCC manufacturers discontinued address 00 support because it can be damaging to a motor without a decoder to run, or even just sit, on the DC track for extended periods of time.  It makes the motor armature vibrate audibly and heat up.  If the Tomix car already has a bridge rectifier powering the motor then the 00 address will not control it. It will still run at high speed.

IMO, if someone wants to run the vacuum at a reduced speed while in DCC then just install either couple of series connected diodes in the motor circuit or a power resistor to dissipate some of the voltage.

[Scottl]

OK, well I'm just interested in the vacuum at this point.  I can always upgrade it with a decoder if I want the frills.

[nkalanaga]

A suggestion, for those who like to tinker, on reducing the DCC speed.  Since it has the "CL" position, which wouldn't be needed, add a resistor, or regulator, to that.  When "ON", it runs at full speed, as you want for a vacuum.  When set for "CL", it would run slower, at whatever speed you prefer for the sanding and/or polishing.  Still no decoder needed, you have two speed options, and the switch is already installed.