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Decoder is not working

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  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 59 posts
Decoder is not working
Posted by eds-trains on Saturday, March 28, 2015 3:18 PM

I just complete my first installation of a Tsunami sound decoder in a Bachmann GP7. I followed the Soundtraxx directions that I found on line and every thing worked fine when I tested it. Ran real nice, bell and horn sounds were good and engine sound was ok but very low. head and back lights worked fine.

However, when I re-assembled the body and tried to run it, at first I heard a slight clicking sound. When I pressed the horn, the head light would go on for a second then go off. It had no sound and the lights did not work.

I removed the body shell and tested it again. Now it runs ok and the lights work again. However, it has no sound. No horn, bell or engine sounds.

I've check all the wire connections and they all appear in good condition.

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks

 

Ed
  • Member since
    January 2015
  • 257 posts
Posted by RR Baron on Saturday, March 28, 2015 4:06 PM
Did you attach the wiring to the SoundTraxx TSU-AT1000 EMD 567 decoder using the black plastic clips (SoundTraxx calls them snoods) or solder?  If you used the clips, remove one at a time and reseat all of them.  Did you use shrink tube on light wiring?
Reset the decoder,  8 to CV 8,  followed by turning the power off, wait ten seconds, then turn power on.
All now working?
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, March 28, 2015 6:13 PM

Is this a light board decoder or shrink wrapped decoder? Obvious something is amiss when the shell is installed.

 

Any exposed wries, splices? Are all connections soldered if a light board decoder? Check the bottom of the light board decoder as most parts are exposed.

 

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: City of Québec,Canada
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Posted by Jacktal on Saturday, March 28, 2015 6:39 PM

Disconnected or broken speaker wires?Sounds turned off with F8?Speaker failure?

  • Member since
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  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
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Posted by ricktrains4824 on Saturday, March 28, 2015 7:57 PM

Sounds like you definitely disconnected/shorted something when the shell was installed. Any "funny" running characteristics other than no sound? Where does the speaker fit, and how does it look? Are any wires pinched?

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    January 2009
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Posted by eds-trains on Sunday, March 29, 2015 7:29 AM

It was a tight fit. Some wires were pinched. It ran hurkey-jurkey. I think I may have had a short somewhere. 

Could I have blown the speaker? It looks fine. How can I run a test on it?

Ed
  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
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Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, March 29, 2015 10:23 AM

In your initial installation, your remark that the sound was very low indicates a problem.  Normally, part of the installation process is to tweak the CVs to reduce the volume, as most decoders come from the factory set uncomfortably high.

I would check the speaker wiring, in particular.  It may be that the connection was marginal to begin with and came off completely when you squeezed it into the shell.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
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  • From: Reading, PA
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Posted by rrinker on Sunday, March 29, 2015 10:59 AM

 You may have damaged the speaker if it all got pushed together too hard, but if the speaker wires shorted on something, it's more likely it blew the amp in the decoder.

                     --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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