DCC ROCO/Replacement Module

[moorep2]

I bought a ROCO DCC starter set (Lok-Maus-mouse throttle, master unit #10761, transformer, and DCC loco) in March of 2005 through Internet Hobbies. It seemed to be a nice set but the DCC master unit (#10761) has malfunctioned (not sure it ever worked fully right) and does not pass the power/commands from the "LOK-Maus" mouse throttle through to the track. The transformer and Lok-Maus test-out fine - so it appears to be a failure on the circuit board of the master unit.

Apparantly, the takeover of ROCO and reorganization wiped out all of the warranties./servicing network - or any interest in the plight of those who purchased this equipment. - if there ever was any. (NOTE: Internet Hobbies is still selling this stuff).

Does anyone know about this? I have sent numerous e-mails to the new ROCO importers, etc., and get no-where. This stuff was made by Lenz and I have sent emails to sellers/importers of Lenz equipment - none of whom even attempted to answer the question as to compatibility and substitution. Do they not know their own product line/s !!!??? Modelers beware!.

Since there is no warranty or, apparantly servicing or replacement available, is there another manufacturer's controller out there (purchasable separately from the other DCC pieces which make up a whole system) which would accept the connections that ROCO has on their Lok-Maus system? The Lok-Maus connects to the controller with a phone type/network cable. The power to the track from the master unit controller is a female 2-pin out with standard track connection wires.

All I reallty want to do is purchase a replacement module so I don't have to purchase an entirely new DCC system . Souldn't be so hard - should it.

Can anybody answer these questions. Particularly with regard to a replacement item not requiring purchase of an a entire new DCC system. If so you shall train forever!

Thanks for any advice you can provide (I did not expect to get into model railroading after retiremnt and face these obstacles). I really hope that the manufacturer reps who may (or should) monitor these forums are listening - in no way should should the consumer have to deal with these issues - get it staight or lose out in the markerplace

Sorry for the pontfication - but I am frustrated and have spent an incredible amnout of time on this and still..... "the railroad is not running....."

[Anonymous]

Hello,

My sympathies. I'd send a friendly email to the new old company, at [e-mail]

They bought all the tooling etc., and I'm sure they will be eager not to let customers down.

Good luck!

Best wishes,

David

PS: In the worst case, there are lots of German eBay powersellers selling new Lokmaus 2 sets (Lokmaus, central unit, transformer) for approx. 55 US dollars including warranty by the new old company. But I would be quite sure that the company will also be interested in getting things right with pre-insolvency customers like you.

[Anonymous]

As haardt said there is plenty of Roco product around, certainly inthe UK and Europe. You could certanly look on ebay, possibly on http://ebay.de if you can read a bit of German, and get a replacement that way. There is a #10761 being offered from Australia, and a number of Roco sets in the US startying from $75 opening prices.

Alternatively my information indicates that ROCO use X-Bus cab protocol, so your Lok-Maus should work with a Lenz power station.

Originally the ROCO product was private label Lenz, but that has not been the case since some time in 2002.

John