Just contacted TCS about the issues. Wondering if anyone else has had these issues, or might have a suggestion. Have issues with 2 CN-GP boards. Both installed in the same locomotive: an Atlas N Scale GP-9. Board 1: installed fine. Ran fine for a while. Rear LED failed, but still ran OK. Used as middle unit, with a pair of Atlas GP-7. Board 2: Installed earlier today. Atlas N Scale GP-9. Takes off uncontrollably at full throttle, when power applied. In both cases,, it’s the small board to the rear of the unit, that is the source of the problems. Board 1: When rear section removed, no short. Board 2: Locomotive does not run. No contact between motor connections and frame. Electrical tape insulating wires. Can’t use my capton tape, because I currently can’t find it! Have 3 more boards that I was able to find, unopened. Unsure if I should attempt to install them now! Help and/or information appreciated. Thanks.
Okay, Not that this will help but a while ago I had the same issues with those decoders... I have quite a few Kato/Atlas GP30/35 mechanisms so these would have been the answer. Now (to begin with) I can solder five simple connections and insulate using capton tape without screwing up. The first one did EXACTUALLY what your number one decoder did....I sent the whole unit back to TCS (at their request) it came back running fine, I put it back in its box and did not fool with it for a couple of months, when I took it out to run it did the same as before....I took it to my LHS, he's great with DCC and he couldn't get it to work either....He sent it in to TCS and they sent it back working after charging me 30.00 because it was out of warranty.....I've got two more that do not work, I have NINE more in the packages that I'm afraid to take out....And come to think of it, I'll check on the first unit to see if it's still working.....So you are not alone.....OH and let us know what TCS tells you. I'm certainly interested in their response....
Hey guys, I realize that this thread is a year old, but I am running into the same problem as Keith. I have three that I am struggling to get into my Utah railway RSD4/5s. Did either of you get a resolution from TCS? Mark P
I've considered this decoder for a DC loco I bought recently, but not sure I'm going that route, although it would be easier than milling the frame. I found the following helpful and you might find the answer to your questions there (bad frame to decoder contact--page 1 and running full speed--page 2).. https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/tcs-cn-gp-decoders.108984/ Good luck and please come back and let us/me know what the final outcome was, Sumner
The CN-GP and CN decoders are like Russian Roulette. You never know when they are going to fail. Depending on the build date of the decoder, there was a serious issue with the decoder firmware that they will recognize and replace regardless of time in or out of warranty. This was across all the N scales decoders. I am still in the process of pulling out all the decoders, including board decoders from that time frame. Waiting to see if they live live up to the deal.
