[Tom999999]

First, I'm new to the forum, as well as new to DCC. Deciding to get into DCC, I bought an NCE Power Cab and a couple of N Scale Bachman diesels to get started.
Here's the issue: On DC, the locos run great, but on DCC they run at what I would call at best 'half speed'. Even when I 'crank up' the NCE to full, they go along at no more than a 'fast crawl' but nothing faster. This is on a simple circular test track so I don't think power to the track is the issue.

Any ideas?

- Tom

 

[MichaelE]

Check to see that your Power Cab has not entered the locomotive decoder in a shunting mode.

That is usually a half-speed mode for shunting (switching in the US) cars in a yard. It could be various function inputs. Some of my locomotives use F6 and others use F4.

Check the decoder guide that should have came with your locomotives.

 

[mesenteria]

Have you metered around the track system to see if you’re getting about what the N-scale output your DCC system claims? You should have near 11 volts, maybe a bit less.

Do your locomotives begin to move at speed step one on your throttle? If not, you need a higher V-Start voltage set in CV 2.

CV5 sets your upper speed limit (by metering voltage to the motor). Perhaps the value needs to be raised...if it can be. Are you able to read that value with your system? If yes, does it match the max permitted value for the decoder?