Hi,
I just recently aquired a intermountain CN ES44DC w DCC sound via a loksound select decoder. it is the latest run of the intermountain es44, idenifiable via silver tipped MU hoses.
I am in the process of converting into dcc, and thus have dc powered track. The Loksound select decoders are I assume dual mode, so they can run on dc with limited function.
Well I was doing my test run on with my gevo, and all of a sudden I hear a small pop noise, and the engine is dead. There is a "burning" smell coming from the locomotive.
I open the loco up and apply some power, and low and behold, the decoder starts heating up. I fear that I may have just fried the decoder. I was temporaly using a athearn dc powerpack, and had a athearn genesis dash 9 on a dead siding.
So with the information provided, how can i confirm that the decoder is ok, or a total loss, and what should I do next?
- CNRCJ
If you heard a pop and smell burnt electronics...your ESU decoder is likely toast.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi CNRCJ,
Yup, you let the smoke out of the decoder! She's a goner.
That decoder is an earlier model and will not run on DC, as you have just discovered.
InterMountain can sell you a replacement, or LokSound might be able to repair it for slightly less money. If it were mine, I would consider spending a bit more money and buy a LokSound 5. The Select decoder is a good unit, but the newer v.5 decoders have several interesting features which you might enjoy.
If you do a search for 'ESU', you can find all the details and manuals for each LokSound product.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
I'm afraid your decoder is toast. Before replacement you should find out why the decoder fried. The Select decoders are dual mode. Did the locomotive move at all? Are you sure the track is wired to the variable DC terminals and not the AC terminals? (Don't laugh, I've seen it happen.) Can you turn the flywheels by hand? It's possible to have a faulty decoder from the git go but highly unlikely.
Pete