Spectrum HO 2-8-0 Electronics Question

[Fergmiester]

My wife got me a Soundtraxx Decoder Sound System for Christmas. Upon removal of tender cover I discovered that one of the capacitors was burned up, though the engine was still able to run. I have been in contact with Bachmann and was told to pack up the engine an send it with a $25 money order to them for repairs. Before I do that I would like to try and repair it myself. In order to do that I need to know the capacitance value of the C1 capacitor on the circuit board. Bachmann was unable to provide me with that info.

Regards
Fergie.

[Meyblc]

Hmmmmm

Seems to be a problem with Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 circut boards burning up. I just had my entire board catch fire.

Backmann has the engine now, but they didn't ask me for $25.00.

Interesting???

[Fergmiester]

Unfortunately. being honest with them when asked as to whether the unit was new or not i told them the truth. I got duped by the dealer! If I had said "yes it is new" I suspect the unit would have been under warranty and would have been repaired for free.

Fergie

[Anonymous]

http://www.tonystrainexchange.com/technews/dsd150_bach.htm I don't know if this will help you with your question but i had seen this looking for some other info at tonys.

[randybc2003]

I would advise you go to your local club or hoby shop, and get EXPERT help on ID the electronics. Somebody may be able to help you. An electroncis clerk at RADIO SHACK may also be able to help you ID the capicator's size, and provide a replacement. Some electronics parts suppliers localy may be able to help you too.

Burned Electronics in a New Loco. Bummer!! [V]

[Anonymous]

It is possible that you don't need the capacitor at all. They were installed for the European market to cut down on intereference in radio, TV and cell reception. There are several fixes on the web for NCE decoders that have you cut the capacitor off of the board in Bachmann locos. I have done this myself with no ill effects (it made the decoder work correctly). This is only necessary for NCE decoders/Bachmann but if the loco runs without the capacitor just fine, it could save you a headache or two...There is info at various places:

Here is a link:

http://www.gatewaynmra.org/dcc/engines/bach-280.htm

I'm wondering why it burned up in the first place???

Good luck,

Guy

[Fergmiester]

Thanks guys!

You answered my cries for help and came through. The capacitor was inline on one of the "power lines". So Randy I appreciated your comment regarding I.D.'ng the capacitor but considering the charred remains the CSI boys would be hard pressed!

Guy, I took a chance and removed the capacitor. Both myself and my Tekkie Brother in Law weren't 100% on the RF thing but going on what you said I took the risk and it paid off. I now have a working DSD Loco.

I bought the Loco as a rebuild and was told it had been rewired and seeing that it worked, didn't suspect a thing. Oh well, Buyer beware.

Once again, Many Thanks

Fergie

[rrinker]

A lot of Bachmann engines have capacitors and choke coils (inductors) in their motor circuits, ostensibly to cut RF interference. However, these devices really wreak havoc with DCC control. Common symptoms are when you have a decoder you KNOW is good, yet the engine only runs in one direction, or runs MUCH slower in one directiont han tht other, yet you have done no odd programming fo the decoder to cause this. NONE of those components are required for the loco to operate, either under DC or with a DCC decoder, and it is perfectly ok to remove them.

--Randy