Circuit board repair???

[Pinballjoe]

Hi Hobbiests!

Recently I added a "subway" line to my freight/passenger "O scale" layout. The fact that I just got reaquainted with my trains this past December, has put me in a "trial and error" learning curve. I purchased an MTH Railking Lo-V subway car that I proceeded to operate with my Lionel ZW transformer. Uh oh!!! A one-time derailment "spiked" the circuit board in the subway unit! Lights, but no sound or movement!

So, here's my question; I've emailed MTH (for the address I located online) and a local dealer here in Mass., inquiring WHERE to have the board repaired. Apparently, none of the contacted agencies choose to reply, or know? Can someone please point me in the right direction for the repair. I'm not totally out of luck, as a friend has since given me a replacement board, AND I now use a transformer that is "designed" to work "safer" with digital units!

Thanks for any , and all suggestions!

Joe

[TRAINCAT]

Joe, I don't think there are any board repair centers for trains. I know a few guys have successfully repaired some. If the bad components can be found yours may be able to be fixed. Burned traces can be repaired in most cases with jumper wires. The actual components can be difficult to cross reference at times. Can you send a pic of the board?

Roger

[mackb4]

 Joe, try Rick at  Milepost Trains.( Rail-Car Restorations) .

 He's an authorized MTH repair facility and really knows his stuff,especially electrical.

      1-606-836-0146 or you might be able to e-mail him at  [e-mail] (not sure if the e-mail still is a good one )

[8ntruck]

Joe -

As far as future protection goes, you should consider installing transient voltage supressors.  These are little electronic gizmos that install across the output terminals of the transformer and they absorb the voltage spikes that can kill electronics.  They are inexpensive insurance. 

Do a search on the forum on 'TVS' or 'transient voltage supressors'.  There have been several threads discussing them.

Keep in mind thet the circuit breaker in the transformer is there to protect the transformer, not what you might be running on the track.  5 amp self resetting automotive circuit breakers are available at automotive supply stores like NAPA or O'Riley's and others will work well in this application.  The circuit breakers will protect the wiring between the transformer and the track, but won't do much for the electronics.

Good luck.

[Pinballjoe]

Thank you for ALL the replies! As for my future protectection, I did buy some TVS for the ZW transformer, and I bought a Z1000 Transformer WITH a built-in circuit breaker for my MTH digitals. 99% of my layout is comprised of Pre-War technology, except for an FS3 and a GP-38. The remaing "switchers", Alco's, GP9's and my "2046" (I hope I remebered that one correctly?) Budd car, etc., are all "safe"!!!

Thank you all, I'm having FUN!!!

Joe

[butleryard]

You should also add TVS's in each of your engines also.

One side from your power lead and the other to ground/ chassis. This will also give your engine more protection.

[hakantok]

Avalanche TVS diodes are existing in either a uni-or bidirectional configuration. Uni-and bidirectional devices both provide protection against positive and negative surges. Check the one which is suitable for your application.

[lionelsoni]

A unidirectional TVS will sure prevent voltage spikes in either direction.  However, it will clip off half the AC waveform too, that is, until it burns out.  With AC track voltage, you need a bidirectional TVS.  With DC track voltage you can use a unidirectional one; but only if you never run your trains in more than one direction....;-)