After installing a TCS AX4 decoder in an old Atlas RS-1 and testing it out thoroughly, I thought everything was fine. Then I snapped the shell back on and it wouldn't run. I removed the shell and discovered that in replacing the shell it had pushed down on of the wires leading from the decoder to the motor and and broken off the terminal tab to the decoder. It appears to have broken off the plastic tab to which the terminal was attached. Is there any way to reattach this and restore the electrical connection or have I just destroyed a brand new decoder?
TCS decoder is covered by a one year, goof proof, no questions asked warranty. Go to the TCS website for warranty info and what you must do.
TCS has a 'goof proof' warranty. Note that you need to register with them before sending the decoder in for repair or replacement. Here is their warranty page:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Customer_Info/Warranty/warranty.html
As an aside, you have learned a lesson that I also have learned, and we both did it the hard way: Don't force a shell back on - something is blocking the way and pushing harder isn't likely to make things any better!
Recently I was working with a BullAnt drive from Hollywood Foundry in Australia. I thought it fit into the shell very nicely although it was a bit snug. However, in trying to get it back out of the shell I managed to do considerable damage and I was lucky to be able to repair it. A very slight filing of the inside of the shell allowed it to slide in and out. I obviously should have done that first.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
hon30critter TCS has a 'goof proof' warranty. Note that you need to register with them before sending the decoder in for repair or replacement. Here is their warranty page: http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Customer_Info/Warranty/warranty.html As an aside, you have learned a lesson that I also have learned, and we both did it the hard way: Don't force a shell back on - something is blocking the way and pushing harder isn't likely to make things any better! Recently I was working with a BullAnt drive from Hollywood Foundry in Australia. I thought it fit into the shell very nicely although it was a bit snug. However, in trying to get it back out of the shell I managed to do considerable damage and I was lucky to be able to repair it. A very slight filing of the inside of the shell allowed it to slide in and out. I obviously should have done that first. Dave
Thanks, Dave. That's great news.
I think my mistake was using too heavy a gauge wire to feed the motor. It was too stiff and so it put too much downward pressure on the terminal tab when I put the shell back on.
jecorbett
I recently purchased a bunch of decoder wire from TCS. It is multi-strand and is quite flexible:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Supplies/Wire/Wire.htm
So far the 30ga has suited me fine but they have finer wire if things are really tight.