Co26666 ....In particular, I have a Tsunami Logging Steam sound decoder that I installed in a Bachman Shay about a year ago. Here's the problem: When I go to run the Shay, it will run for a few seconds, then stop and go through the startup again as if it lost power. It is acting just like it does not have a capacitor, but it does and it is installed correctly. I have cleaned the track, the wheels, replaced the gears with the machined steel ones, oiled all the Shay gearing, taken the wheels out and cleaned the axle tips, cleaned the copper wipers, bent them down to get better contact, and still no luck. I ran it on a hobby shop's NCE DCC system and it ran perfectly, no stopping, very smoothly, backwards through turnouts, everything. I am sure at this point it is an electronic problem between my DCC system and the decoder. I also have a Tsunami EMD diesel decoder that does the same thing. I emailed Soundtrax and they told me to make sure the capacitor is in correctly. I told them the capacitor is in correctly but the engine acts like it is not, and I never got a reply back. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to solve it? I have searched the internet but cannot find anything.....
....In particular, I have a Tsunami Logging Steam sound decoder that I installed in a Bachman Shay about a year ago. Here's the problem:
When I go to run the Shay, it will run for a few seconds, then stop and go through the startup again as if it lost power. It is acting just like it does not have a capacitor, but it does and it is installed correctly. I have cleaned the track, the wheels, replaced the gears with the machined steel ones, oiled all the Shay gearing, taken the wheels out and cleaned the axle tips, cleaned the copper wipers, bent them down to get better contact, and still no luck. I ran it on a hobby shop's NCE DCC system and it ran perfectly, no stopping, very smoothly, backwards through turnouts, everything. I am sure at this point it is an electronic problem between my DCC system and the decoder.
I also have a Tsunami EMD diesel decoder that does the same thing. I emailed Soundtrax and they told me to make sure the capacitor is in correctly. I told them the capacitor is in correctly but the engine acts like it is not, and I never got a reply back. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to solve it? I have searched the internet but cannot find anything.....
Here's my take - but I'm not a DCC expert.
Tsunamis - particularly the smaller one - tend to run hot. They do have a thermal shutdown to protect the decoder.
Since it runs fine at the LHS, the key is the difference between the 2 situations. Areas I can think of:
Some tests to think about: 1) measure the voltage on the rails of both systems using the same meter. 2) If a Power Cab is available, measure the current draw of the Shay at the shop, by itself and when pulling cars. 3) Increase the load while running the Shay at the LHS.
If either the difference in system voltage or load are the cause, it says to me you are too close to the edge with the Tsunami. You should look at what you can do to improve the heat sinking and/or air flow for the Tsunami.
With the track signal having an NMRA spec, it's hard for me to believe that differences (except track voltage) in the systems would cause shutdown in one case but not in the other. But I'm not a DCC expert, either.
just my thoughts
Fred W
I've noticed that exact issue inside my tender. After it's been running for about 15 minutes, I can pick up the tender and the shell is rather warm. Unfortunately, because of the size of the decoder and the lack of weight in the tender, there is very little air flow in there.
If you hold the loco in one place does it run without re-starting?
Springfield PA
Matt,
I have the same issue on my Model Power 4-6-2 Pacific. It only happens on a curve for me or on turnouts, and it's because when I installed the Tsunami decoder in the tender, I had to remove some of the weight. The problem is, I cannot add any more chunks of weight in the tender as it is filled with the capacitor and the decoder and some weight. If I add some additional weight on top of the tender, the problem generally goes away.
I doubt that it's a problem with the decoder. I assume that you had to remove some weight from the Shay or EMD diesel you have. Try placing some weight on both and see if that solves the problem.
Matt - Welcome to Trains.com!
You didn't answer the question. LOL
I have the same peoblem in an Athearn SD75I with a Tsunami.
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
My Blog
I am having a problem with my DCC system and Tsunami sound decoders. I have a Digitrax Super Empire Builder set and several Tsunami decoders. In particular, I have a Tsunami Logging Steam sound decoder that I installed in a Bachman Shay about a year ago. Here's the problem:
I also have a Tsunami EMD diesel decoder that does the same thing. I emailed Soundtrax and they told me to make sure the capacitor is in correctly. I told them the capacitor is in correctly but the engine acts like it is not, and I never got a reply back. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to solve it? I have searched the internet but cannot find anything. I am really frustrated and any help would be great. I have DecoderPro so I can access anything to change. I have messed around with that and the reset but have had no luck.
Thanks!
-Matt