TCS strike two :(

DiezMon May 1, 2008

  1. DiezMon

    DiezMon TrainBoard Supporter

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    I posted in another thread the troubles I had with my first TCS decoder install: Douse that light! - TrainBoard.com

    Last night, I tried my hand at installing a CN decoder in one of my Atlas GP30's.

    Everything went well, no problems. I got it installed and put it on the tracks to try it out.. and nothing. No response. Hmmm.. I'm I wiring the thing wrong? Nope, double and triple checked the wiring.

    I tried everything.. and was to the point of wondering why I'd decided on DCC when I decided to look through the packaging for any more documentation.

    that's when I saw a TINY little IC still in the package. It fell off of the front circuit board. No WONDER the thing doesn't work LOL

    So I'm 0 for 2 on installing tcs decoders with no problems. I know they have the warranty, but now I have to send the thing back, what a pain. :(

    Are others having the same troubles, or did I just happen to get TWO lemons in a row?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 1, 2008
  2. Mike Sheridan

    Mike Sheridan TrainBoard Member

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    It's a really good idea to test decoders before installing. You don't need anything elaborate (a few lamps and a bit of circuit board to make a 'test' loco).
    a) it finds any duff devices before you start tearing your loco apart.
    b) when it doesn't work in the loco, you know it's something you did (or didn't :) )
     
  3. Wildstar

    Wildstar TrainBoard Member

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    I had some problems with TCS decoders when I tried tuning the brightness and directional lighting CV settings on a couple of T-1s. In both cases, they fried out for no apparent reason when an equivalent Digitrax decoder worked fine in the same implementation. I only use TCS decoders in my 2nd tier locos now because of this.
     
  4. Lownen

    Lownen TrainBoard Member

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    TCS Warranty Page says:

    • We will repair/replace the decoder even if you accidentally damage it.
    • All TCS decoders are covered.
    • Defective decoders can be sent directly to TCS.
    • Decoders will be repaired or replaced at TCS' discretion.
     
  5. DiezMon

    DiezMon TrainBoard Supporter

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    well yeah, but as I said:

     
  6. Gats

    Gats TrainBoard Member

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    Just one of those things, Tim. I think you're unlucky in this case. I haven't had a defective TCS decoder as yet, and only one duff NCE with no reverse motor drive - replaced gratis by local dealer.
    At least it's small and the cost is not great to return it. The only issue is the delay in having a working decoder in your grubby paws... :D
     
  7. Mike Sheridan

    Mike Sheridan TrainBoard Member

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    Those two statements are somewhat incompatible I feel. The first one implies they will fix it regardless, the second qualifies it to "if we feel like it".
     
  8. SFJim

    SFJim TrainBoard Member

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    Mike (et al),

    TCS will decide to either repair the decoder or replace it. They will do one or the other. The end result is that the customer will have a working decoder. They are not saying that they may or may not warranty the decoder.

    Jim
     
  9. Lownen

    Lownen TrainBoard Member

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    Eating the cost of the decoder is a bigger pain.

    I've only done one TCS M1 but it worked fine. I bought it because of the size... the Digitrax DN125 wasn't available yet. But I've done a number of DZ123s, as well as various Digitrax and Atlas/Lenz drop-in decoders and I've never had to return a bad decoder. On the drop-ins I've had to tin the contacts sometimes to improve their connection to the frame.

    Best!
     

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