NCE Decoders

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

When I heard about the NCE decoder swap program I decided it would be a good time to try some NCE Decoders. I sent off my destroyed decoders and NCE dutifully sent me four replacements, two 13 series models and two 15 series models.

Since the 15 series have JST plugs on them it was easy to pop them in an Athearn RTR unit. I did so and the unit responded on address 3 as expected. Ran the unit about four feet up the track and Bam, it went dead. No lights, power, nothing. I took it out, let it set, then put it back in. It ran again…about four feet. Took another series 15 and put in in. Ran fine, up the track and back, up and back…Bam went dead.

I was going to run another amp test but the next night I put one of the same series 15’s in a RTR Dash 9 instead. Lights worked, forward and back, ran, forward and back…about 10 feet then Bam, same thing dead. The second decoder did the same after about 4 feet.

I called NCE and they are heading back for replacement. I’ve heard NCE decoders are generally pretty good. I guess all the manufacturers have these “little” problems from time to time, so I won’t judge the product on a bad experience or two.

Tilden

2

The problem sounds like they are drawing too much current. Have you checked them to see how much current they are drawing???

I am using these for the Genesis model F units with no problems.

Just a thought.

3

[#ditto] sounds like the overload protection is kicking in. Usually when I have one that “bam” goes dead, it never comes back.

4

Hmmmm… Interesting. What kind of a DCC system do you have. If you have a digitrax system make sure the power setting is on HO and not something like O scale. That would burn the decoder up pretty quickly. Also, you might want to check your wiring procedure too.

5

I use a PA and nothing has changed on the layout. All other locos run fine with a variety of decoders. The loco is used for a test runs fine with another brand of decoder. I think the overload protection is cutting in too soon. On one decoder, very quickly on the other pretty quickly. I haven’t run a drqw test on the two particular locos I used for the test but I haven’t seen like locos draw more than about .70 amp at stall.

Probally just some weak electronic components. I haven’t tested the two 13 series I have, hope they’re better.

Tilden

6

If the locomotive(s) you’re using for the test are the same ones that blew the other decoders, then there’s something definitely wrong with the engines and not the decoders. The same engine consistently blowing decoders should be the clue as to where the problem is originating.

7

No, not the same locos. The previous bad decoders were the result of a variety of things, including a, perhaps, misguided pulling contest. [}:)]