Hi all,
I recently installed a TCS P2K-MB1 motherboard in a Bachmann DC Proto Berkshire. I then installed a Soundtraxx Econo 21P sound decoder. I am using a Digitrax Zephyr DCC. When I put the engine on the program track, I get a dn d error. I contacted TCS tech and they said there weren't any "logic" circuits on the board. I put the engine on the layout and I could not read and CVs nor would it work using 03. I sent the decoder back to Soundtraxx and they returned it no trouble found. Anybody hear of this?
Clint
Sounds like you have either a pickup wire not properly connected, or a motor wire.
The motherboard, at least for the power in adn motor out, just connects the wiring tabs to the pins on the 21 pin connector, there are no components in the path that could be faulty. Recheck your wiring connections, and do NOT try the loco on the main track until you get a response on the program track, if there is a wiring issue you could blow the decoder at full track power, but not on the program track (usually).
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Sounds like you have either a pickup wire not properly connected, or a motor wire. The motherboard, at least for the power in adn motor out, just connects the wiring tabs to the pins on the 21 pin connector, there are no components in the path that could be faulty. Recheck your wiring connections, and do NOT try the loco on the main track until you get a response on the program track, if there is a wiring issue you could blow the decoder at full track power, but not on the program track (usually). --Randy Thanks Randy. I investigated the conncections and they are right. The only thing I can think of is that the decoder is not compatible with the MB1 Motherboard. Clint
Thanks Randy. I investigated the conncections and they are right. The only thing I can think of is that the decoder is not compatible with the MB1 Motherboard.
As far as motor and track pickups are concerned, 21 pin MTC plug/sockets are 21 pin MTC plug/socket - all the same, it's an effective standard. The only time there might be problems is that typically a European decoder only outputs low level signals for functions above F3 or F5 - they expect the motherboard to have the actual drive transistors on them. If you can't get even basic motion and headlights working, the decoder or the motherboard is defective.
Get yourself a multimeter if you don't have one, the $3 (sometimes free) ones from Harbor Freight are adequate. Take the decoder out, leave the motherboard connected. Put the meter in continuity mode and check between the wheels on the left side and the connection on the motherboard for the left pickup. Same with the right. These should have continuity. Or put the loco on the rails (decoder unplugged), make sure track power is turned on,a nd measure AC volts on the motherboard connections for the track pickups. Compare this to the voltage displayed when touching the probes to the rails. It should be the same. If you can get at it, check the continuity (loco off the track) between the motor terminals and the connections on the motherboard for the motor. These should have continuity. If any of these checks fails, you have a wiring issue either between the pickups and the motherboard, or the motor and the motherboard. With the decoder out, you can also check for continuity between the wiring tabs on the motherboard and the pins of the 21 pin connector, the pinout can be found here: http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/dccelectricalinterfaceconnectors.html
The only problem is that the track and motor pins are right next to each other so you will likely short more than one with the probe tip. But that's ok, if you happen to touch oen probe to both track pins, and the other probe to one of the connections on the motherboard, you should have continuity. The move the second probe to the other connection ont he motherboard and it should still have continuity. Same with the motor, it won;t matter if the probe on the 21 pin socket is touching both pins at the same time. If you don;t get continuity here, then the motherboard has a problem.