Diagnosing Heritage 2-8-8-2 problem

[TVRR]

Max I was thinking that I liked what I had and would buy another if I could. I have ESU loksound in 9 locos and like it too.                                         Meanwhile I just out to cussedness tried to reload CV 56 and it TOOK IT.  I have no idea why this time it worked but not the previous 50. I'm going to let it run and see what happens, many thanks to you and Peteski for his generous offer.

[TVRR]

Well that didn't last long, 2 min and it stopped again, sound just keeps on chugging. Sigh.

[TVRR]

I checked and CV 56 remains set & readable @ 113. Sigh.

[TVRR]

In the event that this chip is just corrupted, what sound decoder would you recommend? I'd like to keep the speakers and the honking big capacitors if I could. ESU by preference.

[peteski]

I really like QSI decoders and I wish they would have continued making them.  They sound simulation of  the steam enigne is excellent. The chuffs get louder and heaver under load, and much quieter when coasting. The chuff synchronization with the drivers is also superb.  Then there is rod clang noise.  It was a great decoder, ahead of its time. They still make some large scale decoders, but nothing that would comfortably fit in N scale loco.

The repeated failures might be indicating that there is a short somewhere. Maybe between the circuit board and the metal tender frame causing this odd behavior.  When I serviced that Mallet few years back I noticed that some of the circuit traces on the decoder were in paces that if the solder mask was scratched off, the could contact the metal tender frame.

Maybe you could remove the screws holding down the decoder and let it sit slightly above the metal frame, then if you get it to reset again, see if it will run more reliably with the decoder away from the frame.

If you do decide to replace it with another decoder, I would be interested in buying that decoder from you.

[peteski]

In the event that this chip is just corrupted, what sound decoder would you recommend? I'd like to keep the speakers and the honking big capacitors if I could. ESU by preference.

While they sure look impressive, those honking capacitors aren't really all that large (capacitance wise). You can get some polymer tantalum caps which will fit the same volume, and give you more capacitance.  Also, those caps are not the typical keep-alive caps. I don't have the decoder handy, but IIRC, one of them is rated 6.3V and it is not used in the typical keep-alive sense.  Also, aluminum electrolytic caps are dollar a dozen. 

[TVRR]

Peteski, I'd like to take you up on your kind offer to look this thing over. It's plain that I am not going to solve this problem. Please PM me mailing instructions at your convenience and thank you again for your generous offer.

[peteski]

Sure, I'll take a stab at it.  The worst thing that can happen is that you will end up installing another decoder in it.  PM sent.

[EmdFan]

That's a tough one.  Yes, it sure seems like the decoder has lost its "brains".  These decoders were specifically made for that model (although I think it was also used in some Walthers H0 switcher).  QSI Solutions is also not really selling decoders.  Well, there is still QSI. There were 2 parts of the company - I don't remember the details, and one part is still in business.  But that decoder board was custom-made for Walthers.  Of course Walthers sold all their N scale (ex Life-Like) locos to Atlas. You could contact Customer Service/Repair at Walthers and at Atlas t see if they still have some leftover decoder boards.

I'll PM you some Walthers info, and maybe @EmdFan would have some info about parts availability for this loco from Atlas side.

If all else fails, and you want it, I could take a look at it.  I have fixed one of those decoders for a TRW member few years ago.  But that was a hardware failure (burned out transistor). Yours might not be as easy to fix.  I have the QSI Quantum Programmer (used for uploading sound files to those decoders), but not sure if that will help here.

We did acquire the 2-8-8-2 and will eventually run it, and update the decoder obviously. But to be honest it may take some time. We did not get any parts in the deal, just a few samples.

Steve W

[peteski]

We did acquire the 2-8-8-2 and will eventually run it, and update the decoder obviously. But to be honest it may take some time. We did not get any parts in the deal, just a few samples.

Steve W

Thanks for the info Steve. While not immediately helpful in this problem, it is still helpful to know that Atlas does own the tooling for this loco and plans to eventually produce another run of these models. And we now also know that Atlas has no spare parts.

[TVRR]

That is wonderful news Steve! It is a great loco and I can see a 3rd one in my future.

[TVRR]

Well good holiday news, my 2-8-8-2 is back from Peteski and it works just great. At this point I have no idea what he did, but he did it well. Many thanks friend!

[peteski]

Well good holiday news, my 2-8-8-2 is back from Peteski and it works just great. At this point I have no idea what he did, but he did it well. Many thanks friend!

That was good timing!  I mailed the package (2-Day) Priority Mail back on December 11 and it looks like it arrived just in time for Christmas!  Merry Christmas TVRR!

Looking at the tracking info, the package took some time to get into your neighborhood, then it was further delayed. Looks like you had some nasty weather in your neck of the woods!

Delivery Exception, Local Weather Delay
*******, TN 378**
We were unable to attempt delivery of your item on December 24, 2020 at 4:50 pm in ********, TN 378** due to hazardous or unsafe weather conditions. Your item will go out for delivery on the next business day as conditions permit.

I'm working on an illustrated write-up of my troubleshooting. I was an unusual problem. When ready, I'll post it here.