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?
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 )
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.
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.
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...
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".
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
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!