Tsunami2 sound decoder problem

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I have a “New in box” Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 consolidation, which recently had a
Tsunami2 Model TSU-2200 digital sound decoder Steam-2 installed.

My layout is on a small table with bachmann ez-track, which is about 5ftx4.9ft
Track layout is square like with a bunch of end side tracks and a smaller inside loop.

Controller is a NCE Power Cab.

The decoder function inputs work on 4 tracks, 2 each on either side of track connection to controller/power. The problem is that on all other track sections, the functions don’t work, like whistle, +/- throttle, even emergency brake etc…
Sometimes the whistle gets stuck on and after about 10s on the train stops dead.

I have run many DCC sound diesels, using ESU, Tsunami, TCS decoders with full function/sound controlls on all track sections.

This is the first time running a DCC sound steam locomotive on the layout.

Does anyone know if this is a track issue, decoder fault or maybe it’s the powercab controller?

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

2

Welcome to the forums.

Your issue here is dirty track. Steam can be a bit more sensitive to dirty track. Even though other locos might run over the same track, try cleaning it again and I think you’ll find your issues go away.

Guy

3

Yes, dirty track is a possibility.

Does the engine run at normal speed on the sections where you have problems? If not, it could indicate a loose connection or again, dirty track.

I think it might be track power connection problems. Recheck all the places where power gets to those tracks. I don’t think the engine is the issue.

4

I agree with what the others said. Unfortunately, a voltmeter might not detect the problem as the tinniest gap can create issues. I would clean the track and the loco wheels. If that doesn’t suffice, you might want to add more power feeders on the layout.

Simon

5

Would power feeders be the same as having 2 sets of wires coming from the same connection or is that concidered a short?

6

Thanks.
Sure I can try cleaning and see if that helps.

The age of the locomotive matter?

7

I would check the DCC feed to the tracks. If some track sections don’t have DCC signal on them, then the decoders won’t get the controlling commands, and won’t get a chance to respond.

I use TSU2 and ez track without issues.

Hope this helps…

8

It would be a short if you aren’t careful. You just need to be sure to wire all the plus connections to one rail, and all the negative to the other.

Generally on all but the smallest layouts you’ll need more than one power connection. Rail joiners don’t do a great job feeding power to the next piece of track, so you’ll want to have power ‘feeders’ connected every 2-3 feet or so.