Atlas Gold RSD-4/5 Initial Experience

[sandypsj]

Just got my new Gold RSD-4/5 (C&NW, so the prototype is a -5) from Hogtrainz and gave it some running time tonight. Thought others might appreciate a report since the Gold ones just came out. I'm running DCC with a DCS-52.
Short report: From a first glance, this thing is great.
-The sound is terrific and it is LOUD. I may have to turn down the master volume.
-Without the sound on, the engine runs virtually silently.
-Running is smooth and without hitches.
-slow-speed performance is excellent.
-It seems to handle imperfect trackwork and turnouts fairly well (I use Unitrack).
-Pulling power is only OK--it seems to max out at around 10-11 cars around 13" curves--but adequate for my needs. It wouldn't even pull 10 right out of the box but did better after some break-in, so maybe it will do a little better after some more break-in.

[spookshow]

I've been running mine around in circles for the past few days. So far so good, although it does seem rather noisy (buzzy) with the sound off. I haven't investigated whether or not lubrication is the answer there yet. At the moment I'm putting it through a slow speed torture test (seeing how long it can run at speed step 4 without a stall).

-Mark

[bbussey]

I don’t have the RSD4 but I did pick up a few undec RS3s to repower vintage bodyshells. I joined two in consist and ran them at Notch 1 uncoupled a quarter inch apart, and they crept along in perfect synchronization.

[spookshow]

Mine failed the slow speed creep test rather drastically, so I started out by giving the wheels and track a good cleaning (didn't help). Next, I dismantled the trucks to get a good look at the axle wipers - and sure enough, totally blackened inside and out. So, I took a small screwdriver and scratched the blackening crap out the axle cups to see if that wouldn't improve performance. New test underway.

As for the grindy/buzzy noise, I noted that the axle gears had plenty of grease. So, I tried lubricating the bearing blocks while I was in there to see if that wouldn't help any. Unfortunately, I haven't noticed any change as of yet. Not that it's a horrible noise, but it's definitely noticeable - particularly when quickly throttling up or throttling down

-Mark

[spookshow]

Has anyone figured out how to run one of these in analog mode? The stock setting for CV29 is 10, which means that analog is disabled. However, changing that to 14 doesn't seem to enable it.

Thanks,
-Mark

[bbussey]

Easily done with LokProgrammer, but I don’t know how to achieve that otherwise. Usually they are shipped with analog mode active. I’ve had to disable it for every ESU-equipped Atlas engine I’ve acquired, including the RS3s.

Google says to set CV29 to 4.

[spookshow]

Yes, I also tried setting CV29 to 4 (which is essentially the same as 14 when it comes to bit 2). It still doesn't move, light up or make any sound when powered by a DC throttle. Maybe ESU has abandoned analog users. Or maybe there's something wrong with my particular decoder.

-Mark

[bbussey]

-Pulling power is only OK--it seems to max out at around 10-11 cars around 13" curves--but adequate for my needs. It wouldn't even pull 10 right out of the box but did better after some break-in, so maybe it will do a little better after some more break-in.

The RS frame is much lighter than previous vintage releases as half of it was removed for the new electronics.  I’ve always run them in pairs so the lighter weight doesn’t affect how I utilize them.

Yes, I also tried setting CV29 to 4 (which is essentially the same as 14 when it comes to bit 2). It still doesn't move, light up or make any sound when powered by a DC throttle. Maybe ESU has abandoned analog users. Or maybe there's something wrong with my particular decoder.

Hmmm … I don't have a way to test analog mode. I can confirm that the functionality still exists in the LokSound Nano, which is the decoder used.

[spookshow]

Cleaning out the axle wiper cups appears to have solved my slow speed creep problems. It's been running at speed step 4 for over 20 hours now, and no more stalls.

-Mark

[bbussey]

Any luck yet at running below Step 4?

Speaking of not stalling … the mechanism fills every cubic millimeter of space under the bodyshell, so there is no room for a keep-alive module. But there is if the top of the body covered by the cab is removed. I haven’t finished wiring yet, but this was a test to confirm the configuration. The KA is visible through the front and rear cab windows if you look for it, but is not obviously noticeable.

[spookshow]

I'll see how long it can maintain speed step 1, although I certainly wouldn't ding it for failing to last 20+ hours. That's asking a lot of any sound loco that doesn't have some sort of keep-alive.

-Mark

[bbussey]

Agreed, though I’m hoping you have some luck in creeping them for a few seconds at least after cleaning out the axle cups.

[spookshow]

Dang, this thing is slow - 15 minutes to go about 10 feet so far. Probably take an hour+ just to make one lap 

-Mark

[spookshow]

Looks like step 1 is a bridge too far when it comes to making it through turnouts. I can get through if I notch it up to step 2, but not step 1. Still and all, that's plenty good enough for me. It should be more than reliable when it comes to slow speed operations.

-Mark

[peteski]

I never had issues with ESU running in analog mode.  There is no "analog speed curve" (in any decoder).  To enable analog mode bit (aka "alternate power source") CV29 bit 2 has to be set to logic "1".  Analog mode comaptibility is part of NMRA DCC specs, so all manufacturers are supposed to (and are) supporting it.

Usually factory default for CV29 is 6.  That setting enables long address (while in DCC) and also enables DC operation. Actually just setting CV29 to 4 would work (since all the other bits are ignored in analog mode).

To figure out other valid values use  https://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm

But the DC power source might be a problem.  Best quick test would be to power the model using a 9V battery.  If it works but it doesn't on the DC throttle then the DC power from the throttle is not smooth enough DC signal (unfiltered rectified AC, or PWM signal which confuses the decoder).