Graham Radish Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Hello folks, Is there anywhere in the UK that repairs ZIMO dcc sound decoders? i stupidly connected a stay alive to it now the decoder just gets hot and does nothing. Dont really want to throw it away as it cost £105, its a class 37 model with Paul Chetter sounds. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul80 Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 Get in touch with the supplier, they normally offer a replacement at quite a discount, my favourite supplier only charges around £15 to replace a blown one, he has had a few grand from me over the years though but don't think I get them any cheaper than any one else. It worth asking whoever supplied yours what they charge for a blown replacement. Paul Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir TophamHatt Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 Out of interest, why is it "stupidly connected"? Surely most chips can accept a stay alive? Or was it "connected stupidly?" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium njee20 Posted January 14, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 14, 2019 Get in touch with the supplier, they normally offer a replacement at quite a discount, my favourite supplier only charges around £15 to replace a blown one, he has had a few grand from me over the years though but don't think I get them any cheaper than any one else. It worth asking whoever supplied yours what they charge for a blown replacement. Who's your supplier...? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Izzy Posted January 14, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 14, 2019 Out of interest, why is it "stupidly connected"? Surely most chips can accept a stay alive? Or was it "connected stupidly?" I think there has to be the firemware capacity to accept variations in current supply, and the pads/connections with which to hook up a stay-alive. As such it is my understanding not all decoders can be used with stay-alives. As far as getting a Zimo sound decoder repaired I would suggest contacting Digitrains. They offer a replacement service for wrecked Zimo sound decoders at a very reasonable price, for which I am extremely grateful. Izzy 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 I think there has to be the firemware capacity to accept variations in current supply, and the pads/connections with which to hook up a stay-alive. As such it is my understanding not all decoders can be used with stay-alives. As far as getting a Zimo sound decoder repaired I would suggest contacting Digitrains. They offer a replacement service for wrecked Zimo sound decoders at a very reasonable price, for which I am extremely grateful. Izzy In the Zimo case, as far as I can work out, every Zimo loco decoder produced in at least the last ten years can accept a stay-alive module. But, the type of module, and where it connects, varies with decoder type (some need a charging/discharge circuit, some don't, some use 16v capacitors regardless of track voltage, etc..). The Zimo manuals have thorough information on this, but do have to be read carefully, and apply the sections relevant to the decoder one has to hand. For other brands, its a matter of finding the relevant connection places (often not documented, often no solder pads, may need multiple connection places). - Nigel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted January 14, 2019 Author Share Posted January 14, 2019 (edited) It was working perfect until i connected a dcc concepts basic stayalive cap, (the one with built in resistor) everything was done textbook, now once power is applied it just gets red hot, and i mean hot! instant finger burner. Looks like the boards power section has gone open. Edited January 14, 2019 by Graham Radish Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted January 14, 2019 Author Share Posted January 14, 2019 I think there has to be the firemware capacity to accept variations in current supply, and the pads/connections with which to hook up a stay-alive. As such it is my understanding not all decoders can be used with stay-alives. As far as getting a Zimo sound decoder repaired I would suggest contacting Digitrains. They offer a replacement service for wrecked Zimo sound decoders at a very reasonable price, for which I am extremely grateful. Izzy Ill send them an email mate, thanks for that i will see what they say, i bought the class37 from ebay with the zimo chip fitted and pcb scrapped. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Dent Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 Both Digitrains and YouChoos do replacement Zimo Sound decoders (for blown Zimo sound chips) for about £25 (have a guess at how I know this). As the decoder had Paul Chetter sounds and Paul works closely with Digitrains, I second Izzy's suggestion and contact them. Art Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted January 14, 2019 Author Share Posted January 14, 2019 Just dropped them an email, will see what happens eh. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SR DUNCAN Posted January 14, 2019 Share Posted January 14, 2019 The e-mail for Youchoos DCC is www.youchoos.co.uk ihope this helps. Yours Duncan 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 Contacted digitrains its £18 plus postage, however i don't have the receipt for this train as i bought it from ebay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium njee20 Posted January 15, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 15, 2019 Do you need it? Is it only for decoders purchased through them? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 True, i could send the paperwork that came with the train Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ray H Posted January 15, 2019 RMweb Premium Share Posted January 15, 2019 I think each sound file provider adds their own unique reference to the decoders that they add sound to. Digitrains should be able to check the decoder and confirm it is one of theirs so you may not need to send any paperwork. I'd guess that they can have a fairly accurate idea of when the decoder was sold from the reference number as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Radish Posted January 15, 2019 Author Share Posted January 15, 2019 Thanks, yes ill send the paperwork that came with it and see eh. i miss my colas 37 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir TophamHatt Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 Please keep the thread updated too as it may help others in the future. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardSpoors Posted January 16, 2019 Share Posted January 16, 2019 I've just had excellent service from Zimo in Vienna. My MX696 that has been sitting in its box on a shelf for a year or two would not load a new sound file. I returned it to Zimo as I have no record of its purchase. It is now back with me with a report that says a manufacturing error has been repaired. I only had to pay the outbound postage. Regards Richard 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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