TomMcG

Hi folks, I have a problem with my new Realtrack Class 156 'Scotrail' with DCC sound (2xESU LokSound 4): F8 is normally used for the toilet flush sound F12 lights the passenger compartments F13 lights destination indicator When I press F12, then F13 both lights come on, but the toilet flush sound loops all the time while the unit is static. While driving, it goes away, but starts again after stopping. Happens in both directions. When I press F13, then F12, passenger lights stay off and the same sound issues happen. Has anyone got the same issue and/or is there a fix for this? Thanks for any help.

If I remember correctly, the z/Z21 app allowed to switch on/off RailCom; turning it off didn't fix the issue. Assuming the voltage of 18v could be the problem, I tried the black Z21 (also RailCom off) - same thing. Gave up on the PIKO when it didn't recognise the Class 47 TTS, before checking RailCom. The ECoS... well, maybe I'm just unlucky (Monday units?). Now the problem is solved for me, as I don't need more/better/advanced features than DCC.

Both ECoS units were bought brand new from two different large UK model railway retailers. The flickering lights issues appeared with the LokSound decoders only on all units using RailCom etc. (Roco, PIKO, ECoS). They were not present on EZ, Prodigy Advanced 2 and ACE-2.

Hi again, on my quest for a working controller I took the plunge and tried the ECoS - twice... First unit arrived with a tilted/off-centred TFT, so it went straight back to the box and back. Second unit had a faulty PSU, making odd sounds of imminent death. At least I could try this one on the locos - same issues with the LokSound decoders. Yes, the main culprits appear to be RailCom & Co. But, finally (!), I've got a controller that works without issues: the Sig-na Trak ACE-2 you guys recommended... No flickering lights, no buzzing, silent & strong PSU, suits all my needs, all locos recognised without issues, no fiddling with cables/voltage/capacitors etc. Thanks for pushing me in that direction! Cheers everyone, Tom Edit: typo

Thanks again everybody for all your help. Here's the main and prog test tracks, short cables from controllers to fishplates with no extensions. I noticed some people had issues with e.g. HST TTS being responsive only in one direction, which could be fixed by sending them to Hornby. This is not the case here, as the Class 67 TTS loco did run well with all controllers, except for the PIKO. I wasn't aware that the E-Z pumps out such a high voltage, thanks for the info. Also, I've ordered the suggested DCC bus terminator filters/snubbers; will give it a try. Two of you guys mentioned the Signatrak ACE 2 controller, which is very interesting. Just watched a video and I like the control options you have (e.g. handsets and all funtions on one screen). And it's a bigger screen than the tiny smartphone display ;-) I'll wait for the PIKO return and refund to be completed and then see what's happening... Cheers everybody!

@Nigelcliffe thanks for the tip; RailCom was already switched off on both locos after they had been recognised by the PIKO controller. I assume the controller switched the flag off after it recognised it to not confuse the loco list. @BoD thank you; I've tried all speed step settings, but unfortunately it didn't help. I wonder if a mains extension with built in filter or "conditioner" might help - the ones people use for TV / HiFi if they have issues with dropouts or noise. My TV/HiFi has no problems at all, so I don't know if it would make sense (the E-Z works anyway).

Thank you very much everybody for your answers. Maybe I should have a look at the Hornby Elite as well; I think I got the old information from an outdated comparison table. Now, the locos with light issues: - Bachmann Class 37/4 with 21 pin LokSound 4 chip and Legomanbiffo's West Highland sound plus roads and rails double iphone speaker - Bachmann Class 47/7 with 21 pin LokSound 4 chip and Legomanbiffo's 47/7 sound plus roads and rails double iphone speaker Unrecognised by PIKO SmartControl: - Hornby Class 67 TTS sound and roads and rails Bassreflex Speaker upgrade Buzzing noise: - Heljan Class 128 DPU with Hatton chip (no sound) These locos have no issues: - Bachmann Class 25 / Hornby Class K1 with added headlights / Dapol Class 68 with Zimo Soundchips/-speakers and appropriate YouChoos sounds - Hornby Class A3 TTS sound with added headlights - Class 08 with added lights and Zen chip (no sound) - Hornby Class 101 SPT and Hatton chip (no sound) I have tried the locos on main and program tracks (Peco); flickering happened when locos stand still, all sound functions work. Also tried various mains plugs in the house. Briefly had a Realtrack Class 156 DMU with Sound onboard when I had the Roco z21 (first one); here the interior lights were flickering as well. I assumed this model was faulty, but it turned out the controller did to handle the LokSound chip(s) correctly. Again, there are no issues at all using the Bachmann E-Z controller... Thanks a lot again. Cheers, Tom

Hi folks, I've came back to the hobby about 4 months ago, and during this time I could not find a suitable DCC controller. Every unit I've tried had some issues, while some others are not suitable (I need all 28 functions and be able to read CVs). Roco z21 (white)- flickering cab and/or directional lights (LokSound chips), buzzing noise (Hattons, TTS) Roco Z21 (black) - flickering cab and/or directional lights (LokSound chips), buzzing noise (Hattons, TTS), no change on changing voltage PIKO SmartControl - flickering cab and/or directional lights (LokSound chips), buzzing noise (Hattons), does not recognise all TTS (Class A3 ok, but Class 67 not) Gaugemaster DCC02 Prodigy Advanced 2 - lights ok, problems reading CVs, got one with broken PSU - returned; could not try WiFi (can't read write CVs on WiFi?) Zimo and Zen decoders seemed to work fine with any of these. Strangely, my simple 10-funtion Bachmann E-Z Command Centre has no issues at all - no flickering lights, all loco addresses programable, no buzzing. Unsuitable are Hornby Select / Elite and Bachmann Dynamis Ultima, as the don't support 28 functions AFAIK. The price tag on the ECoS is quite high, and the company produces the PIKO SmartControl components, so it might be similar issues. Is there any other Controller to recommend to try? Thank you very much for any help! Cheers, Tom Edit: topic title typo