I have a set of FA's and I've run them for quite a long time on two different DCC systems, home and club, both Digitrax, with no problems at all. No lost address, no random shutdowns. There might be a problem with yours if it does this. On these I think there is a supercapcitor used to retain the decoder settings - older ones and O scale ones use batteries, or used to. If this doesn;t work properly, any configuration data could be lost when the power is turned off. Andif it actually does through the engine shutdown sequence while running - I don;t think that's supposed to even be triggerable while in motion, only when stopped. That COULD possibly happen if the loco is selected on more than one throttle, and they are sending conflicting commands. Make sure to properly dispatch each address after running a loco. You cna do an OpSw 36 reset to clear the memory on the command station just to be sure. See the back of your system manual for the procedure.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thank you for the suggestions, Randy. I have a GP-35 on order which is supposed to arrive this month - if it exhibits the same behavior I'll investigate the DCC system, and if not I'll send the FA-1 back to MTH for a look at the decoder.
I'm only using one hand held on the Digitrax, but I am using duplex. I try operating with the handheld hard wired to see if that might make a difference.
Hi rk_dave,
Welcome to the forum!
I think Randy's diagnosis is probably correct, you probably have a bad supercap. However, a bad super cap is usually a fail / no-fail item. From your description it sounds like your problem is more intermittent. It could be as simple as a loose connector between the decoder and supercap. Follow your plan of running the GP35 before doing anything else. If the GP35 is OK I'd suggest opening the FA and checking for a loose connection before sending it in.
Thank you for your information, Dave. Based upon your feedback elsewhere, I've decided to order a DCS system. In preparation I download a copy of the manual, but after reading through it (no easy task :) I am confused about the power source for the TIU for HO operation. I cannot tell if the input to the fixed voltage can be AC or DS, and if DC is it polarity sensitive?
Thank you in advance for your help.
My hobby dealer was able to get me squared away. The specs for HO operation with DCS are in the locomotive manual, not the DCS manual. I connected a 16.5VDC power supply to the "Fixed One" input and it worked fine.
Hi Dave,
Sorry, I've been away from the forum for a while and missed your post. The "polarity" issue only applies to Protosound 2 decoders in O and G scales. All MTH HO engines are PS3 and are are not sensitive to signal polarity. Track power polarity is a separate issue that is the same as any 2-rail layout.
Sounds like you're well on your way with DCS and a DC power supply. Enjoy.
I know this is WAY after the fact from when this was first talked about, but would you have any idea if the Protosound 3E+ will work on regular 2 rail HO? I bought one new on clearance and it acts like a short on my Digitrax DSC system. If I touch the DCC leads directly to the center third rail bar and one wheel, it will move, but no sound. MTH hasn't been very knowledgeable on the subject either and their manual doesn't specify if a 3 rail loco will work on 2 rail. If it's not compatible, I'll just end up gutting it and going with an aftermarket one hard wired and sell the board on ebay to someone that has need to replace a dead board. Thanks.
Looking at their description for the Marklin (3 rail) HO Big Boy, MTH says it will not run on 2 rail. This is not a Protosound 3 issue, but a wiring pickup issue (they also have European NEM standard wheels). Usually 3 rail HO locomotives for the Marklin system do not have their wheels/drivers insulated from each other. You would need to swap for a set with one wheel/driver insulated on each axle and probably isolate the insulated wheel/drivers from the frame. Then rewire the locomotive for 2 rail pickup. Since MTH makes 2 rail versions, it's probably easier to just buy one of those.
Paul
Dave,
Just checking: Does this include the new HO IRT New York Subway cars?
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Thanks David.
I'm fortunate in that I'm in DCC as I wouldn't be too fond of higher starting voltages.
Ironically my 35 year old MRC Tech II DC power pack finally went "kaputzky!".
davidmbedardIf it's MTH ho and recent.....then it'll be ok for DCC.....dunno about MTH and DC.