Does any know what Error Code 3 is on a Tsunami?

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I’m installing a TSU-1000 Light Steam sound decoder in an IHC Mikado. (Yeah, I know, the decoder costs more than the engine.) I’ve been testing the installation every step of the way, and when I was almost done I ran into a problem. These decoders have an “error code” light that flashes a certain number of times for each error. In my case, I’m getting Error Code 3, and then the DCC system shuts down on a short.

Error Code 3 is not listed in any of the manuals I’ve been able to find. (Googling “Tsunami” and “Fault,” incidentally, brings up lots of information about geology, but very little about decoders.)

The lights work in forward and reverse, as does the sound. The engine runs in forward, but the error code comes up when I switch to reverse and then apply the throttle. I tested the engine before starting the installation, and it worked fine in both directions on DC. I even disconnected the motor leads after I got the problem, but I still have it. Flipping bit zero of CV 29 moves the problem to the forward direction on the throttle.

Has anyone seen this? I’ve already e-mailed Soundtraxx support, but it’s a weekend and I thought one of you might have a solution.

2

Since the other error codes below 10 are all in the category of “system fault - return for service” type of things, I’m guessing 3 would be too. Sounds like a problem in one set of motor drivers, since it goes forward but not reverse. Although you might want to verify the motor circuit and see that there is no diode in the path left over from the DC constant lighting.

It also might not be a 3 - your dcc system might be shutting off before it finishes blinking.

–Randy

3

In the steam tsunami users guide, page 70 gives a list of errors. Error 3 is not among them but errors 1,2,5,6,7 mean, send the decoder back to SoundTraxx for repair.

SoundTraxx does respond to email.

Also, there is a SoundTraxx Yahoo group not run by SoundTraxx but with many experienced users including some online DCC vendors.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/soundtraxx/

Rich