Tomix Shinkansen 500 DCC install - train stutters, then stops completely

[mr.dunkelwald]

hi there!

Last year I installed a DCC decoder in my Hello Kitty 500 Shinkansen.

The issue this train since then always had is that after 4-8 loops around the layout, it first begins to stutter (randomly stopping, then starting again) and after a while completely stops, being completely dead. After a while (few days) it's possibly to use it again, but with the same issues.

I suspected the motor overheating, so what I have tried is:

- soldering the decoder wires not to the springs, but directly to the motor -> no change

- checking whether the motor is seated right -> no change, I suspect that if that's the issue, it will slowly change it's position because of the vibration when driving

leaving the bogies and seat cover off and putting current directly to the metal strips -> works for quite a while

 

Has anyone had the same issue? I am running out of ideas why this is happening.

 

Moritz

Edited October 9 by mr.dunkelwald

[Doddy]

Replacing the decoder with another would be start. Looks like the IC circuitry is shutting down.

[chadbag]

I would agree that it sounds like an issue with the decoder.  What decoder is it and how did you install it?  I've done the HK 500 as well as a couple other similar Tomix and not seen this though I have not driven them recently.

 

[Kingmeow]

Before you do any dismantling I would do a decoder reset first.  Just to make sure the firmware hasn't been scrambled due to a plethora of reasons.

 

Like chadbag said, what decoder do you have?

[bc6]

It does sound like a decoder issue, Have you reset the decoder yet if not give it a try if that doesn't help send it back.

[mr.dunkelwald]

I have no idea why, but you all are right!

Tried a decoder reset (it's a Kuehn N025 btw) and now it works like a charm. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: nevermind, after around 15 mins of operation the issue resurfaces. Maybe I'll try swapping the decoder sometime. Although I wonder what the reason is since I had this issue on another Tomix Shinkansen. Could it be that the motor draws more current than the decoder is rated for? The decoder is rated for 800mA, i don't know what Tomix motors can draw.

Edited October 10 by mr.dunkelwald

[bc6]

Maybe a Christmas present to yourself can be a multimeter to help you figure out the current draw of motors. Sorry the reset wasn't a permanent solution to your problem. I would consider sending it back if there's a warranty on the decoder. 

[chadbag]

9 hours ago, mr.dunkelwald said:

I have no idea why, but you all are right!

Tried a decoder reset (it's a Kuehn N025 btw) and now it works like a charm. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: nevermind, after around 15 mins of operation the issue resurfaces. Maybe I'll try swapping the decoder sometime. Although I wonder what the reason is since I had this issue on another Tomix Shinkansen. Could it be that the motor draws more current than the decoder is rated for? The decoder is rated for 800mA, i don't know what Tomix motors can draw.

 

I wouldn't think they'd draw that much -- I've been using D&H DH05C and PD05A, both of which are rated at 500 ma on KATO Shinkansen and other trains and not had any issues...  (I used them on KATO with the EM13 boards that were posted in the forum like 6 years ago -- I had a bunch made and have been using them exclusively for my EM13 needs)

 

SO I'd try swapping them.  If you're in Europe try a Zimo or D&H (or the DM-Toys branded D&H that they sell which are DH05C with fewer extra capabilities) or ESU. If in the USA try ESU or TCS.  They all make small ones and all suport things like Railcom and stuff that Digitrax doesn't and also they don't typically shrink wrap (heat trap) their decoders.