Broadway Limited Locomotive Problems

[tompm]

Over the past few days I have been trying to run my Broadway Limited B&O EA locomotive. I tested the locomotive when I first got it, but I did not have the time to do a break-in session. A couple of nights ago I pulled the locomotive out to give it a proper break-in session.

At first things were going well. When I do break-in sessions I switch back and forth with sound on and off. Personally, I am not a fan of sound. After a time for me it just becomes noise. Also, I want to hear the locomotive and its motor.

I was running with the sound turned off and suddenly; the sound comes on. It took me several tries to get it turned off. Everything is good until a few moments later when the horn starts blowing continuously. Again, it took several attempts to turn the horn off. Then the bell comes on. I do a factory reset and things return to normal and I have no more issues and I call it a night.

Tonight I go to the layout to finish the break-in.  The random sound turning on issues starts after a few minutes. Now if that is not enough the locomotive starts stalling at random spots. I do another reset and first it helps but then we are back to the sound and stalling issues. Another reset. I now try DC. The locomotive does not run.

At this point I pull out another locomotive. The locomotive is my LNE Bachmann DCC onboard 2-8-0 Consolidation. The Bachmann runs without any issues.

I am beginning to think I have a bad decoder. Am I right or could there be something else?

[TMo]

That's a weird one. Just when you think you've heard all of the DCC stories...

I am a fan on your bus for those that don't really see the need for sound effects - none of my locomotives have a sound card, but I think we may be on the minority bus.

Something's triggering the decoder with function calls - that much is certain. Since it isn't your handheld throttle, I would think it's got to be a wiring problem or a sound-card-board component going up. Any telltale smoke or bad smell?

[tompm]

That's a weird one. Just when you think you've heard all of the DCC stories...

I am a fan on your bus for those that don't really see the need for sound effects - none of my locomotives have a sound card, but I think we may be on the minority bus.

Something's triggering the decoder with function calls - that much is certain. Since it isn't your handheld throttle, I would think it's got to be a wiring problem or a sound-card-board component going up. Any telltale smoke or bad smell?

I have not seen any smoke or smelled anything. I plan on another test this evening so i let you know what happens.

Before i tried the EA I ran a Broadway Limited B&O Consolidation and a CNJ Mikado. Both ran flawlessly. Both obeyed every command I gave them. I ran a DC IHC NYO&W Mother Hubbard with no issues other than stalling on some #8 switches at slow speeds. I am currently running a Bachmann LNE Consolidation with DCC on Board with no problems.

[TMo]

Lends you to believe the problem is internal to the EA, and if it's related to function calls, I'd think it's gotta be an issue with the decoder. If you've done a reset and the problem continues, I'd think it's gotta be a wiring issue into or out of the decoder or a decoder component has bit the dust...

[Charlie B]

Tom, I replied in the hobo thread before I read this.  I can only suggest you do a reset on the program track and be sure the locomotive is turned off for at least 30 seconds before applying power. If that is a unit that has a hard manual reset under the hood you need to do that one. It is very important that it is removed from power far a period after a reset to let the electrons leave the theater.
Charlie

[tompm]

Tom, I replied in the hobo thread before I read this.  I can only suggest you do a reset on the program track and be sure the locomotive is turned off for at least 30 seconds before applying power. If that is a unit that has a hard manual reset under the hood you need to do that one. It is very important that it is removed from power far a period after a reset to let the electrons leave the theater.
Charlie

Charlie

I have done several resets and pulled the plug on the system several times. Works for a few mintues and it starts acting up.