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Post by nebrzephyr on Apr 1, 2020 12:06:48 GMT -8
So due to a move a few years ago I had to store several engines, which worked prfectly before storing them for the move. So just recently I finally have enough new layout up that I can run again. So I un-box some engines and find that most of the TCS decoders are dead! 
I pulled them and tried a reset. Nothing, no response. I had no issues with the NCE decoders, they worked fine.
Is this common occurrence with TCS??
Bob
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Post by rmcroadster on Apr 1, 2020 16:58:35 GMT -8
I have not experienced that with TCS. Have you tried ensuring that the power/signal is getting to the chip? I have found on some older loco repairs for others that after bypassing the loco pickups or using a decoder tester and connecting directly to the chip that I have been able to activate older chips that have sat. Once this is done the loco will then operate. Don't forget the NCE decoder recovery program, ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/207904033-Recovery-mode-for-dead-NCE-decoders which I have found works on many other makes. Matthew |
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Post by Mark R. on Apr 1, 2020 20:38:27 GMT -8
I had one A4X decoder do that on me. Used it for years with no problem. Then, due to "life happening", nothing was run on the layout for a few years. When brought back to life, everything worked except that one. Attempts to revive it in or out of the engine proved fruitless.
Mark.
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Post by jonklein611 on Apr 2, 2020 4:46:56 GMT -8
Which style? Board replacement, hard wire, or socket?
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Post by nebrzephyr on Apr 2, 2020 6:11:12 GMT -8
Which style? Board replacement, hard wire, or socket? T4X and T1 |
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Post by jonklein611 on Apr 2, 2020 6:49:58 GMT -8
so things to check:
Verify continuity between rail and decoder for + power side
Verify continuity between rail and decoder for - power side
Verify continuity between decoder and motor + / -
Might need to clean wheels or had a solder joint go loose / pop off.
I've used TCS decoders in N scale (so board replacement with hard wired leads) and some 8 pin ones in HO and I haven't had any issues.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2020 7:07:06 GMT -8
I had an issue like that once. When I installed the board, it wasn't making perfect contact, so I just pushed it back a hair. That fixed the problem. Over the course of a year in storage, the board shimmied back due to how the motor leads were soldered, and lost contact again. I ended up having to re-soldering the motor leads in the proper location to fix the issue.
I've never hard the board completely die in storage though. Have you tried resetting it on the programming track, or addressing it at address 3?
Edit: In N scale. This was a board replacement decoder for a P42. I've never used an HO scale TCS decoder.
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Post by jonklein611 on Apr 2, 2020 7:28:31 GMT -8
I had an issue like that once. When I installed the board, it wasn't making perfect contact, so I just pushed it back a hair. That fixed the problem. Over the course of a year in storage, the board shimmied back due to how the motor leads were soldered, and lost contact again. I ended up having to re-soldering the motor leads in the proper location to fix the issue. I've never hard the board completely die in storage though. Have you tried resetting it on the programming track, or addressing it at address 3? Edit: In N scale. This was a board replacement decoder for a P42. I've never used an HO scale TCS decoder. For those Kato board replacements in N scale, I always hard solder the tabs to replace the little plastic clip holding the tabs down. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 2, 2020 9:09:51 GMT -8
I did, I just did it while the board was misaligned 😩
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Post by nebrzephyr on Apr 3, 2020 6:39:02 GMT -8
As I mentioned in the original post, these where pulled from the engines and tested using various methods (NCE tester, hardwire to programming track with external motor attached) all with same results. Point being that other decoders responded fine in this same setup. So it's not the testing approach, it's the decoders. TCS support basically gave me absolutely no help, as they suggested simplistic debugging, and was obvious they did read my email thoroughly.. I do appreciate everyone attempting to help. It appears these decoders have died, probably a weak component(s) on the board.
Bob
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Post by 12bridge on Apr 5, 2020 10:25:36 GMT -8
While I can not speak for the decoders- I have had more then one (several, actually) TCS keep alives go belly up if they sit for some time. I wont use them anymore. I have heard from others that have said the same thing. Ill stick to using ESU ones.
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Post by usmcnewdog on Feb 11, 2021 16:07:40 GMT -8
dont they have a life time warranty? or did they?
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Post by usmcnewdog on Feb 11, 2021 16:59:06 GMT -8
sorry I didn't see this before I posted. it sucks they won't stand behind there products. my issue has been lights being out after storage. As I mentioned in the original post, these where pulled from the engines and tested using various methods (NCE tester, hardwire to programming track with external motor attached) all with same results. Point being that other decoders responded fine in this same setup. So it's not the testing approach, it's the decoders. TCS support basically gave me absolutely no help, as they suggested simplistic debugging, and was obvious they did read my email thoroughly.. I do appreciate everyone attempting to help. It appears these decoders have died, probably a weak component(s) on the board.
Bob
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