May be hitting the "electronic failure wall"

Oman posted:

C W Burfle posted:

You mention breakers and fuses, but what about TVS's; transient voltage suppressors?? Very important with engines filled with electronics, to keep voltage spikes from frying the boards.

Were I into running trains with electronics, I certainly would install TVS's on my layout. I think I'd go as far as putting them right inside each locomotive and tender, unless there was an issue with voiding the warrantee.

When this subject comes up, I usually wind up wondering why the manufactures don't put TVS's inside their locomotives for us.

You're right, to properly protect the locomotive, the TVS should be inside the locomotive.

I've said this many times, but I always get shouted down.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Oman posted:

C W Burfle posted:

You mention breakers and fuses, but what about TVS's; transient voltage suppressors?? Very important with engines filled with electronics, to keep voltage spikes from frying the boards.

Were I into running trains with electronics, I certainly would install TVS's on my layout. I think I'd go as far as putting them right inside each locomotive and tender, unless there was an issue with voiding the warrantee.

When this subject comes up, I usually wind up wondering why the manufactures don't put TVS's inside their locomotives for us.

You're right, to properly protect the locomotive, the TVS should be inside the locomotive.

I've said this many times, but I always get shouted down.

   You are not wrong IMO, but one on the track can help with those engines without them. It could take some time to fully upgrade some collections, so till then why not?

 Another current thread with TVS as the topic here with more good points on direct application.

You are not wrong IMO, but one on the track can help with those engines without them. It could take some time to fully upgrade some collections, so till then why not?

It's not an either/or situation. You can put a TVS in each location.

According to the information I found, its a good idea to have your surge protector as close to what needs protecting as possible. 

C W Burfle posted:

You are not wrong IMO, but one on the track can help with those engines without them. It could take some time to fully upgrade some collections, so till then why not?

It's not an either/or situation. You can put a TVS in each location.

According to the information I found, its a good idea to have your surge protector as close to what needs protecting as possible. 

Exactly!

MdMikey posted:

What a coincidence for me that this subject came up.  After many years of solid performance, within the past 2 months I have had 4 engines that have malfunctioned in one way or another, and I'll probably be back here asking for help before I ship them off to the repairman.  All MTH, with one having fully functional sound but won't move, another that has lost its sound but moves just fine.  A third one reacts in whatever way it feels like at the time with the DCS remote, and another one that likes to blow out its voltage regulator in the B unit rear motor.  2 of the engines are older PS2, another one a newer PS2, and my favorite and newest PS3 Southern steamer are down and out.  Plus, my 14 switches have suddenly gone haywire whenever I have friends over to show off the layout.  So, we'll be in touch.

Mike

Sounds to me more like a problem with communication between the handheld and the TIU, or the TIU itself. I would first try using a different TIU channel, or try tethering the handheld to the TIU. All covered in the DCS Companion.

Rod

Installing TVS devices has been suggested; which one is the best for this application?  I used the early fuse block ones but there must be better faster acting ones now?

See this post.

https://ogrforum.com/t...zes-and-part-numbers