In my N scale Bachmann 2-6-6-2, I have an ESU LokSound Select Micro dcc sound decoder in there. However, the sound just quit. I pressed 8 numerous times to turn it on, and that does not work. I tried resetting the system by setting CV8 to 8, and even that did not work to turn on the sound. Anyone else have any other tips?
I should add that when I was running it this morning, it was running fine, and then the sound stuttered for about a second and then quit. I cycled the power off and then back on, and the sound came on for about two seconds then quit permanently.
Loose speaker wire? Shorted speaker wire (in which case the amp is probably blown)? Another stray wire that wasn't cut down and secured moved and contacted the decoder somewhere (also likely that this would permanently damage 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.
I tugged gently on the speaker wire from the decoder, and it seemed intact. I'll test this out with a multimeter when I get home. As for shorting wires, I have them all shrinked-wrapped.
The lighting features on this decoder all work, so I don't think the decoder is damaged. Maybe the amp though, but not sure. I'll test another speaker when I get home.
Also, how were the sounds installed in the decoder? There are certain settings on the project that would make it actually get erased if you did a decoder reset - although since you lost sounds without doing a reset that's probably not it. That's why there has been much caution about doing a full decoder reset on the V4 and Select decoders, if there is a custom sound project loaded (such as from an OEM - the stock sound projects from ESU should be ok).
The sounds quit before the decoder reset was accomplished. The decoder was programmed at Litchfield Station when I bought it.
Disconnect the two speaker wires and do an ohm test across the speaker terminals with your meter. That will determine if the speaker is at fault or not. If you get no reading on your meter, the speaker is shot.
Tiny speakers can't handle the higher volumes the Loksound decoders are capable of producing. I've damaged a couple HO sized speakers by forgetting to turn the volume down from factory default before blowing the horn for the first time !
If the speaker checks out ok, use a magnifying glass and check the solder pads where the speaker wires attach to the board. If there's a stray wire bridging the two pads, you may have a blown audio amp. Not your fault there, and the decoder should be replaced under warrantee.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Yeah, I got to do this when I get home. I have two other 8 ohm speakers that I can connect. I hope it's just a speaker.
So I got home and resistance-tested the 8 ohm speaker. Nothing. Unsoldered the speaker and put another 8 ohm in its place. Resistance-tested the new speaker. It read 8 ohms.
So I put the Bachmann on the layout, and sounds fire up right away. Blown speaker (the old one). New one sounds awesome.
Next question: why the heck did the speaker blow on this DCC decoder? I'll turn the volume down, but still.
Seeing as how you have it working again, the audio amp is still fine. Chances are pretty good, the speaker was just over-driven for its capabilities. You probably have been driving it right on the verge of its maximum rating and it finally just gave out. Most tiny speakers for N scale are usually rated at 0.5 watts or less.
The Loksound select is rated at 2 watts with a 4 ohm speaker. If you want some really impressive sound in your N scale engines, get the dual 13mm speaker set from ESU. The enclosure contains two 13mm 8 ohm speakers that you wire in parallel for the 4 ohm load. By using two speakers, you effectively can use the lower watt rated small speakers without fear of damage at higher volumes.
This speaker makes for some impressive sound in N scale .... #50328 ....
http://www.esu.eu/en/products/accessories/loudspeakers/loksound-micro-v40/
I've also used a single 50326 along with a Micro Select in a hi-rail truck and was very impressed at the sound quality !
Note both of these speakers are rated for 1 to 2 watts. Very important your speaker matches your decoder output if you like to turn it up !
I have an 8 ohm speaker in there right now.
And I can't use that speaker as there is no additional room in the Vandy tender I have for that speaker, unfortunately.
The 50326 would fit for sure .... I'd be willing to bet you could probably even get that one in the boiler where the sound belongs !
Boiler?! N scale? Ummmm no.
gatrhumpy Boiler?! N scale? Ummmm no.
Where's your sense of adventure ?
There is no room in the boiler. The 2-6-6-2 is already underweighted, and if I removed more weight it would not track right. Not gonna happen.
N scale probably isn't as noticeable, but I just hate getting my face right down to trackside to watch a sound equipped HO or O steam engine roll by only to have all the sound coming from the tender .... really ruins the effect for me.