I have an HO Athearn GP40-2 with a #1631 MRC sound decoder. After it runs 2 or 3 minutes it starts to suddenly jump forward for about a second and then returns to the set speed. After it starts doing this it will also do it when standing still. It will suddenly jump forward for just a second. It does this about every 20 seconds or so. It does it in both forward and reverse. Does anyone know what the problem might be?
Jerry
Ghosts!
Seriously, I’m curious about what the Pros will say.
I’m not a pro at all but…
Sounds like some wires are touching when they not supposed to. Check to see if there is some solder or a metal shaving floating around near the decoder. Also make sure there are no bare wires close to each other inside the loco where they could touch. Could the track be dirty? I’ve had similar problems with an MRC decoder when the track was dirty, although this wouldn’t explain its actions when it isn’t moving…
yup, sounds like ghosts to me! [:D]
[#ditto]
Just a tiny metal shaving can wreak havoc with a decoder. A friend of mine had it happen to him. The coder got fried.
POOF!
Thanks for the replies. Looks like a bad decoder. MRC says send it back.
Jerry