Mark G Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 I've recently been having issues with my Dynamis set up and 36-553 3 function decoders. A lot of the decoders have reverted back to their default value of 3 for some unknown reason, at least 10 locos over the past 6-9 months have done this, has anyone had such issues and know of a solution to prevent it happening again. I also find that the hand held unit does not respond to the control centre, i have t keep switching it off (umplugging the power lead), sometimes this helps/sometimes not...again, has anyone else had this happen to them. Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Tony_S Posted January 29, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 29, 2012 Are your battery terminals slightly corroded? I haven't (yet) had one of the 36 553 type decoders reset itself. Tony Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark G Posted January 29, 2012 Author Share Posted January 29, 2012 No, the battery terminals are bright as a new button. Its highly frustrating to be honest. Go up the loft to look at the layout, Start with one engine and 4 move at the same time.....hhhmmmmmm Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Some cheap decoder designs are rather prone to reset if they get a garbled DCC signal. This can be caused by small amounts of dirt interrupting the supply to the decoder, or through shorts causing a system to drop. Solutions: 1 - keep track, wheels and pickups really clean. 2 - don't use cheap decoders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted January 29, 2012 Share Posted January 29, 2012 Being somewhat dubious of lower cost decoders I tested the first example of a 36-553 I got hold of with lots of track shorts, and switch off switch on cycles: never a problem. All the subsequent 36-553 and 554 decoders have been similarly resistant to this trouble. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRman Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 I have only had this problem with one decoder installation, in a Bachmann class 150 with a Bachmann 21 pin decoder. It reset itself randomly, often between uses (or before / after a running session). I tried another Bachmann decoder and the same thing happened. Put a TCS decoder in and no problems. The same Bachmann decoders in other stock have also not exhibited any tendencies to reset or misbehave. It seems to be just the combination that had a problem! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 Hi If you wish to remain with the Bachmann decoders (I use them without problems) then consider doing one or both of these options. 1) Wire Bus Terminator filters across both ends of the DCC Bus wires. Assuming you're using a bus pair? Ready made terminators are sold by Bromsgrove Models or you can make your own from two simple components. See my web sites DCC page for details. 2) Add a 12 volt 10 watt (or possibly even a higher wattage) filament lamp in series with one feed wire from the base unit. This will illuminate when a short occurs and act as a current limiter (It is not an overload cut out). I have found the both of these help overcome decoder resetting issues. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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