I'v yet to service my TIU yet since I can live without my Variable channels. However, when I called my service center today, they said that MTH does not give out parts to authorized service centers for TIU's. Is this true? It just seemed kind of odd to me because that defeats the purpose of service centers.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Some things are better handled through customer service. Lionel is the same way with a lot of their stuff too.
I'm guessing getting parts for the Legacy system would be problematic for anyone outside of Lionel.
That is what I am suspecting. I thought I felt Pinnochio's nose growing a bit. I just don't want the hassle of sending it off to MTH and waiting 12 weeks for a repair.
You can buy many of the common components for the TIU from electronics distributors. Of course, it all depends on what has failed on the TIU. Since there is no detailed service information available for them, if it's other than stuff like drivers, it could be difficult for anyone but MTH to track down.
separate qual or certification. It purely is York the tech. Aparently many do not like or won't do component level repairs. TIU is certainly component level intensive. G
Anywhere that would service it? The suspect is a blown diode on the variable 2 channel. The repair tech didn't seem to understand what I was talking about.
The diode is the easiest thing to change in the TIU It costs about 2.00
Here is a vote of confidence for G. He does great work and very trustworthy.
Rick
before. The variable 2 channel is shorting out on the input side only. the fuse appears to be okay. No signs of black marks or anything like that.
John, I believe you have to be associated and sponsered by a hobby shop. Individuals can not go just because they have MTH trains. The repair account will belong to the LHS.
Not a problem, got that covered.
Actually disregard the last post. I touched the diode after I applied about 10 volts to it, and that sob was hot!!!! SO who has one of these lying around for me?
Put an ohmmeter across it, if it's shorted, it'll read close to zero both ways. If it's open, you'd never know, and there would be no symptoms.
Oops, I saw the second post, I guess it is indeed bad.
Is it a through-hole TVS or a SMT device? If it's through-hole, I have some, I could send you one.
I have it if John doesn't. E-mail in profile.
I'm not quite sure what you mean by that John, so I've included an image of the diode that has shorted out.
Attachments
Just do a continuity check across the diode. If you get continuity, it is the bad one.
Dave
Send me your email address and I'll send you a replacement TVS. My email is in my profile.
Dave, if it's getting hot, it's bad! It should be dissipating no power under normal operation.
Alright, I just sent ya an email.
I was in the same class with Dave and Dave I melted the board so I don't do copmponents LOL
The diode is on it's way.
Diode is received and installed. Was a very simple job. I can now run all of my loops again Thank you to all on this topic who helped me out, and especially to John for sending me a replacement. You certainly have saved me time for waiting for the repair. Nothing like the good ole' "DIY" feeling
:-) Good Job
Cool!
Glad we could get you running. Don't you wish all the problems were that easy.
That takes care of everything for now (knock on wood)
One more example of why this forum is so great.
Nice job all.