TCS M1 problems on switcher

[iomtt]

Having time to spare this afternoon i decided to dcc one of my switchers (Life  Like SW9/1200)  i am using a new TCS M1 decoder all went well on the programming track it finding 0003 factory settings of course.
After putting the loco on the main track it stuttered along the track in small movements could any of you tell me the reason as at the moment i have no control over it and want to do the right thing to rectify it and set its address.

It might be something simple i know but its a learning curve for me at the moment DCC and so far i have had a good experience of it.


upnick.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Try resetting the decoder to it's factory default. The documentation that came with the decoder should list the code to do this.

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

N scale?

If so, those little guys are know for sometimes less than ideal pickup from the rails.  Make sure the pickup strips on the loco are still there, clean, and contacting the contacts from the trucks.

[cacole]

Dirty and corroded wheels; dirty track.  Clean the wheels and track and see if that helps it along.  Is the headlight flickering?  That's a sure sign of dirty wheels and track.

[iomtt]

I have  tried resetting the decoder to its  factory values as  the TCS  sheet  says to  no avail, the  track  is new and the loco is the same as i  bought it a while ago with the intention of fitting it up for dcc as between  laying more track for the layout i have a  set up  for programming and testing locos, the dcc unit is new also and  has  tested / programmed other  locos with no problems.  

Could it be a faulty decoder and would it be worth purchasing a decoder tester for future installation testing them  before fitting. 

[Rotorranch]

I agree with the general consensus, dirty track, pickups or wheels. Even new locos can have crud on the wheels, and new track can have manufacturing grunge on it too.

Another possibility is a loose connection, or poor solder joint.

Rotor