I have a VL challenger that every time the power is cut and re applied the coupler fires. Very annoying going over Atlas no. 8 switches... the sound cuts off and the coupler fires... Anyone have a fix for this?
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Since those are still the modular boards, I "think" they would still use AC couplers with triac control. If so, sometimes electrical noise fires them, the cure is a 1uf 50V non-polarized cap across the coupler outputs. I'm not 100% sure about the RS6 board, it was a transition board.
Just to update the team on this one. I pulled the lid on the tender and found a battery in the tender from the previous owner. It was practically dead. So I replaced the 9 volt and no dropped sound or firing coupler over the Atlas no. 8 switches. I also turned the forward roller pick up 180 degrees which limited the time of the power drop.
However, I still have the coupler fire open when the power is initially turned on. looking at the board, it appears to be a (triac)? right near the connector. This triac or capacitor may be shot. Since its a part of the "carrier board" which all boards tie into, I think I will just live with it on start up.
I have two other Vision Line Challengers and they appear to not have this issue... will have to double check.
J Daddy posted:Just to update the team on this one. I pulled the lid on the tender and found a battery in the tender from the previous owner. It was practically dead. So I replaced the 9 volt and no dropped sound or firing coupler over the Atlas no. 8 switches. I also turned the forward roller pick up 180 degrees which limited the time of the power drop.
However, I still have the coupler fire open when the power is initially turned on. looking at the board, it appears to be a (triac)? right near the connector. This triac or capacitor may be shot. Since its a part of the "carrier board" which all boards tie into, I think I will just live with it on start up.
I have two other Vision Line Challengers and they appear to not have this issue... will have to double check.
You could always replace that component or have your train store do it. It all depends on what you’re comfortable with.
I could, and your right, I will probably do so if available. I will add it to my list of parts needed for the 50% off sale in November.
The other option was to just pull the connector plug. but on initial power up only, its really not a headache.
Just wanted to know if anyone else saw the VL Challenger vs Atlas switch No. 8 issues...
