Ok, so I spend $120 on an Atlas N scale DCC Equipped CSX 8-40b and within 2 days it craps out on me. The light works but only in forward, not in reverse, so i'm pretty sure it's not a connection problem. It shows no signs of life other than that. I don't want to send it back to Atlas and wait 4-6 weeks on a repaired loco or replaced loco. So any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
OK, it ran OK for a day or so?
Only this loco not running? What system are you working with?
Need a little more info. before I can offer any ideas.
no obvious burnouts or shorts from what i can tell
i'm using bachmann ez-dcc command and the loco doesn't even move a little. The front light is the only thing that is working.
ok now when a move the decoder around a bit the light will jump from the back to the front but never if i switch it on the console
I have had this happen with some of my Atlas DCC engines.
Did you do a factory reset? If so then did you redo the address for the loco.
If not you should as many times this will solve this problem if it is not a loose decoder not making good contact.
I have also had to solder the motor tabs where they come through the decoder slots on 2 of my Atlas engines so good contact was made. Just a small amount was all that was needed.
I have seven of them and they run great. Just the usual problems that all DCC diesel engines get at times. The more you do this the easier it is the trouble shoot problems with track and engines.
A better DCC system would also be a help as yours is very limited.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
If you're using a bachmann e-z command, you can't do a factory reset unless you take it somewhere.
Sounds like you have a loose or broken wire. Sometimes decoders go bad out of the box. I would send it back and wait 4-6 weeks for a new one instead of wasting time trying to troubleshoot and having the warranty expire, then you'll have a busted loco and you'll be out more $$$ to repair or replace.
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Surely this can't be so, with all the talk on this forum about how perfect every loco that sold by Atlas is?
But seriously, this sounds like a borad failure or poor connections from the start - send it back.
Sheldon
What I don't get is people so reluctant to take advantage of the warranty provided just for problems like this. It's new, it's under warranty - send it in. It will be fixed for free. A $2 item might not be worth sending in, but that's another issue altogether. A $150 loco, send it back, Atlas will make it right.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yeah i'm just gonna send it back to Atlas, I don't want to mess with it and have it not be covered by the warranty. Thanks anyway guys for taking the time to give me some tips and pointers, and yes bachmann dcc is crap. Just had to say that.
Sorry to hear you have a lemon loco. Atlas loco's are usually trouble free but in the world of electronics you never know.
Springfield PA
I just bring it back to my LHS and he gives me a new one and he sends it back. one of the many perks of dealing with a local instead of online
Atlas has a good customer service. Last year I´ve purchased an MP15 loco, and I wondered why the sound was too low. I mail they and the owner answered personally. That´s good.