The DCC Saga

Regardless of cause they will replace the chip. So if you short an output due to insulation mistakes and the chip goes "pop" they will replace it. Some of the UK sellers will operate the warranty for you, saving the postage to the US.

Whilst its a good thing that makers will offer this, I do prefer chips with output protection which means they don't go "pop" in the first place. For example, I have shorted a Zimo decoder output to the track rails (my stupidity in a test lash-up). The Zimo just went into its documented error condition, remove power and it was fine again. A TCS shorted in a similar manner will require replacement under the goof warranty.

I think Lenz have had a similar warranty for ages on their chips.

- Nigel

"Sailor" wrote

That has been common knowledge in DCC circles for many years. Maybe you need to join one of the Yahoo groups which specialise in digital operation.

John.

"Paul Boyd" wrote

I couldn't put my hand on my heart & say with conviction that I'd recommend either the Hornby system or Bachmann chips.

John.

We got our son the Hornby Select and we too have experienced problems with the early issue chips.

As a child=92s toy the installation of the chips is too complicated. It=92s a pity they cant have DCC ready loco=92s with an underbody chip slot like a memory card slot in a digital camera. OK some of the problems come from installing into older kit like our HST but also the Select is somewhat too sensitive to faults.

You get what you pay for but with the accuracy with which chips can be made these days it should not be a problem. My thoughts on the Select is that it is too low powered in terms of only 1 amp and the QC on the chips is lacking in China plus they power ratings are too tight.

" =A0wrote

The early Hornby chips were made accurately enough. The problem was the design they were following!

MBQ

wrote

We've recently had complaints about wires falling off (poor soldered joints?) on both the plug &/or decoder on the 'latest' R8249 chips. These work ok (not brilliantly) providing the wires stay attached.

John.

I too suffered from wires falling off and hence my reason for sticking with the bachmann/lenz chips. They need no extra sleeving so can be fitted with the aid of plasti gum!

I asked about the prog/main track because the Elite carries two sets of terminals, one for each application. The prog output does not allow movement or function operation (lights etc) . I therefore do the prog operations then change over the connections to test these things.

As I originally stated the confused state of the Elite is attributed to finger trouble. The runaways have been experienced -- always due to dirt/bad track connections.

If the controller can get confused so readily then evidently it could equally do uninvited things to the chips! This would appear to be a common place problem and easily sorted by a chip reset - if the method is known. I have considered all the options and equally looked in upon several online groups. This resulted in not much factual advice and every known maker being slammed for one thing or another.

So far I have had a good experience but with the failings mentioned from time to time. Each of my forays into the programming world finds me clutching "The Book" and other info sheets ( rather as a life line) which totally belies my 50+ years of engineering control systems based on PLCs, Analogue computers, diigital computers and even hybrid computers! As Simon says "It can be rather difficult for us 6 y.o.s....."

When something / anything is designed for the DIY'er it must be robust. A lose wire could at the very least short the chip. Poor soldering is, in today's world, unacceptable !

I still thing Hornby may have done a rush job or at least released prior to all the bugs being ironed out.

Was the design of the Hornby system done 'in house' ?

No, I don't believe so, but I've lost the link to the place that did it.

MBQ