Hi all, I recently jumped into DCC, using a NRE power cab. I have installed a TCS 1550 in my AZL GP30 and AZL GP38-2 (actually my GP40-2). The decoder circuit boards were a little thin, so I did put a paper shim underneath the front contacts which pickup power from the chassis. So far it worked fine for both locomotives. Although the decoder in the GP30 was not so easy. In the beginning the motor did not run, were the headlights switched direction. My guess was bad contact to the motor. Eventually it did run fine. Today it did run a couple of rounds on my test oval, after taking it from track and putting it back on it did not run anymore and the headlight will always be lit at the front, also when set to reverse. I am looking for some good ideas to get it going again. Any ideas?
Like John said most likely the decoder motor tabs are not making proper contact with motor pickups and could be shorting against the chassis half which can cause the headlight to stay on as you described. And if its shorting it can burn out the decoder. Try resetting the decoder. Also if it doesn't already have it, cut a small piece of kapton tape and slide it down inside the frame along side the motor contacts to help protect against shorting. Some of the newer AZL loco's come with a piece of tape in this location on both sides, I assume for this very reason. David
Unfortunately, this is a common occurance with TCS, and all kinds of weird things happen. I had never experienced a decoder where the lights functioned but the motor stopped and a reset fixed it. It seems that TCS decoders will scramble their "brains" sometimes and all kinds of weird stuff happens. Since I use custom speed tables, a full reset means I need to reload the speed table. Until this improves, I have stopped using them. Greg
Hi all, FYI next feedback from TCS on the corrupted 1550 decoders: When setting up your consist, have you been using CV19 or NCE's consisting method? There are known issues with NCE's consisting which they have worked on. However, older units may still be affected. Especially when clearing consists, decoders can sometimes be left dumbfounded. If your units are still controllable after performing a reset, I would recommend setting up your advanced consist manually by using CV19.
NCE lets you use basic consisting and advanced consisting. I'd be REALLY interested in reading where there is an issue with how NCE did the basic consisting (where it sends the commands to the individual loco addresses). If it is an issue with advanced consisting, that is really concerning... Can you clarify WHICH method is claimed to be an issue with NCE? (having run NCE and consists for almost 20 years, I am having a hard time believing this by the way) If this is a known issue, can you point me where it is "known"? Thanks, Greg
Hey Greg? It is the tcs reply...if it is a known issue more z-scalers should have these scrambled decoder issues as we have had . Hopefully they chime in.
Eh? I'm with Greg. We BAZ BoyZ have used Universal ('Old') consisting for years with constant different locos, sets and combinations. This does nothing to the decoder. The Command Station sends individual commands to each loco (which creates 2, 3, 4 or 5x of 'overhead' by having to send the 'same' speed packet but only sends the Front loco (or, rear when reversed) lights, horn, etc. Drop a loco any time (in any order) or turn any loco around. From the master, Don Fiehmann: https://tonystrains.com/complete-guide-to-consisting/ This may help you 'decode' what you think: https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/nce-info/nce-consisting
I am with you guys too. I have chosen NCE for the good feedback on this units. TCS is pointing to NCE to scramble their 1550 decoders in their feedback to me.... So I was just curious whether there are more z scalers who have issues with the TCS 1550 decoders in combination with NCE.
If you just have say 2 or 3 consists (2,3, or 4 locos each) just do do a basic consist ('Old' on NCE), which does not set CV19 (consist address enabler). You can pick up and remove any engine and run it when ever (just remember to set the speed to 0 when you put it back in the track). Once CV19 is set, the locomotive will not respond to the original Long (or Short) address. This Consist address will stay with it, even if you put in another layout (NCE or not). If you don't know the Consist address, you can put in on the Programming track to undo it.
I did try TCS advice to set cv19 directly in the locomotive controller. Not using the NCE consisting features. This works also pretty wel. By programming on the main it is also easy to add and cut locomotives to and from a consist. I am running my locomotives wth TCS decoders for a couple of days this way without the decoders getting scrambled. Looks like an acceptable work arround for me.
