I just got done installing Soundtraxx LC decoders into 2 of my GP9’s. These ran perfectly on DIgitrax decoders prior to the change. The sound is great and performs as defined. My problem is that each of these GP’s will jerk to a stop randomly and after a couple of seconds start back up. No movement, no sound at the time. This is not a short because it does not effect other engines at the time that are in the same block. Help
Gelok
I can think of two problems
- a loose wire
- dirty track or wheels
Check the connections and run your finger on the track if there is a lot of blck then dirt it be! Dirt and DCC are a nasty combo. Check you wheels while your at it.
BTW Welcome to the Forum. You’ll find it full of good fun loving people.
Fergie
If cleaning the portions of the track where the problem happens (and there is dirt),and
cleaning the track doesn’t completly solve the problem, you may want to look at the solution in Art Cominio’s article in July 2005 RMC. (see page 65). He installed another decoder (Lenz) WITH the Soundtraxx decoder which he says prevents any hesitation problem.
I had/have the same problem with one of my LL GP-9 loco w/soundtrax decoder. It does weird stuff. Go backwards for no reason then go forward, horn or bell sounds by itself, starts stops. The solution to my problems was cleaning the track. A while back it was running along and all of a sudden it stopped suddenly like it ran into a wall. It would not respond to the throttle after that. Long story short the incident reset the decoder. I had to put it on the prog trk and reprogram. As long as I keep the track clean it works like a champ and I am very happy with it.
Terry
I did all the typical stuff when I was installing the LC, cleaned all wheels, checked guage, lubed. AFter the event happeded the first time I completely cleaned the track taking special care at all turnouts. I will go back andd reclean wheels and track again just to be sure but I don’t think it will solve this problem.
Thanks
Gelok
There are problems with the motor driver on some SoundTraxx LC decoders. The best solution is to install a separate motor decoder and use the SoundTraxx only for sound. A TCS M1 would be a good choice, because they are about the size of a dime.
Where do I get info regarding the TCS M1?
E
Train Control Systems (TCS) website: http://www.tcsdcc.com/
A cheaper alternative to the M1 is the MC2. Its a little bit bigger, a few dollars cheaper. But my favortie feature is that it has it’s own little 7 pin harness.