This is the continuing saga of my F7 (20-21357-1) https://ogrforum.com/...c/176694689176442444
I repaired the smoke element, but when I put it on the track and started it up, at first it smoked fine, then in about 20 seconds I saw a flame shooting out of the smoke unit. Gunrunnerjohn suggested checking wiring and if that was OK most likely it was a FET. After some thought I concluded I'll just run it w/o smoke. However, to insure I didn't forget and turn it on, (or someone else, like my grandson) I disconnected one of the leads to the resistors. I returned it to the track and when I attempted to start it up...nothing. So I tried a feature reset, nothing. Then a factory reset, but after that, I could not get the DCS remote or Smartphone to add it. I tried my test track, nothing, so I connected the remote to the TIU via a phone cable. Nothing. I then put it on the track with a functioning engine. It would start up after about 15-20 seconds....(typical crew talk would come on) so I assume it's in conventional mode but it will not respond to any commands. I use a ZW-L so I put it into conventional mode and powered up the track, still nothing.
There is a DCS/DCC switch on the very back but it appears broken.
I've read that MTH discontinued being able to switch between DCS and DCC because folks would slip the switch to DCC unknowingly causing unnecessary warranty/repair workload for MTH. I've assumed that the case for this engine as it worked fine before the great fire! Be the way, that fire was very cool. I wish I had the presence of mind in my panic to shoot a short video before I cut the power...
I checked MTH parts and it shows two PCBs but my engine has one long one. Anyway, one of the two boards are out of stock. Is there something I can do to absolutely rule out the conclusion my engine kaput? Or, have I done everything to check whether it's dead/or alive? Thanks.
