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Tsunami2 sound decoder problem

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  • Member since
    October 2023
  • From: BC, Canada
  • 3 posts
Tsunami2 sound decoder problem
Posted by starcraftguy1 on Thursday, May 16, 2024 10:00 PM

I have a "New in box" Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 consolidation, which recently had a
Tsunami2 Model TSU-2200 digital sound decoder Steam-2 installed.

My layout is on a small table with bachmann ez-track, which is about 5ftx4.9ft
Track layout is square like with a bunch of end side tracks and a smaller inside loop.

Controller is a NCE Power Cab.

The decoder function inputs work on 4 tracks, 2 each on either side of track connection to controller/power. The problem is that on all other track sections, the functions don't work, like whistle, +/- throttle, even emergency brake etc...
Sometimes the whistle gets stuck on and after about 10s on the train stops dead.

I have run many DCC sound diesels, using ESU, Tsunami, TCS decoders with full function/sound controlls on all track sections.

This is the first time running a DCC sound steam locomotive on the layout.

Does anyone know if this is a track issue, decoder fault or maybe it's the powercab controller?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

A track rerailer is your best friend.

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • 1,519 posts
Posted by trainnut1250 on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 10:22 AM

Welcome to the forums.

Your issue here is dirty track. Steam can be a bit more sensitive to dirty track. Even though other locos might run over the same track, try cleaning it again and I think you'll find your issues go away.

 

Guy

see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 1:52 PM

Yes, dirty track is a possibility.

Does the engine run at normal speed on the sections where you have problems?  If not, it could indicate a loose connection or again, dirty track.

I think it might be track power connection problems.  Recheck all the places where power gets to those tracks.  I don’t think the engine is the issue.

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

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 2,774 posts
Posted by snjroy on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 11:32 AM

I agree with what the others said. Unfortunately, a voltmeter might not detect the problem as the tinniest gap can create issues. I would clean the track and the loco wheels. If that doesn't suffice, you might want to add more power feeders on the layout.

Simon

  • Member since
    October 2023
  • From: BC, Canada
  • 3 posts
Posted by starcraftguy1 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5:51 PM

Would power feeders be the same as having 2 sets of wires coming from the same connection or is that concidered a short?

A track rerailer is your best friend.

  • Member since
    October 2023
  • From: BC, Canada
  • 3 posts
Posted by starcraftguy1 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 5:54 PM

Thanks.
Sure I can try cleaning and see if that helps.

The age of the locomotive matter?

A track rerailer is your best friend.

  • Member since
    February 2020
  • 31 posts
Posted by know2go on Saturday, July 13, 2024 5:59 PM

I would check the DCC feed to the tracks. If some track sections don't have DCC signal on them, then the decoders won't get the controlling commands, and won't get a chance to respond.

I use TSU2 and ez track without issues.

Hope this helps...

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Monday, July 15, 2024 9:32 AM

starcraftguy1

Would power feeders be the same as having 2 sets of wires coming from the same connection or is that concidered a short?

 

It would be a short if you aren't careful. You just need to be sure to wire all the plus connections to one rail, and all the negative to the other.

Generally on all but the smallest layouts you'll need more than one power connection. Rail joiners don't do a great job feeding power to the next piece of track, so you'll want to have power 'feeders' connected every 2-3 feet or so. 

Stix

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