Remote controller wheel issue

I think some have reported a using a certain type of contact cleaner (forget what?) to increase wheel performance. I think this was for scrolling though.

I had a problem more similar to yours and a bracket holding my thumb wheel in place was broken. I was able to shim it up with small pieces of wood or styrene (been awhile and I forget what exactly). I ordered a new wheel, but my work around fix worked so well I haven't replaced it yet. However, I dropped a couple weeks ago and I'm afraid the wheel replacement is now due.

If that is your problem, MTH has them in stock, or at least they did when I ordered a while back.

I had same problem as rtr, and glued the cracked bracket.  On the forum you can find instructions on how to take the remote apart; putting it back together can be a bit tricky, keeping the parts in place.

I'd suggest having a replacement wheel on hand in case the current isn't repairable.  Techs on the firum, like GGG and GunrunnerJohn, may have them in stick and charge less for shipping and handling than does MTH. 

I have heard (don't know if true) that the wiring colors have been changed.  If you get a new one, compare the wire colors and if they differ, follow the order of the original rather than the colors.

I have a couple of thumbwheels in stock.

I have noticed that the thumb wheel on my remote "jumps" from 1 SMPH to 9 SMPH in no time. I think this is related in some way to the OP so wondering if the fixes described above are applicable.

Probably not, Chessie.  Sounds more like dirty contacts.  I have used CRC "QD Electronic Cleaner" which claims it is plastic safe and leaves no residue.  It seemed to work.

RJR,

Thanks for the heads up. Going to clean the contacts with CRC. Thanks.

I wouldn't use any CRC product on the remote but this, due to the plastics.

As RJR said, that sounds like the scrolling problem. There have been a thread or two here about cleaning the contacts and what was used. As I recall the outcome was good as well for the person with the problem. I really can't remember the threads or even what to suggest as a search for them. DCS thumb wheel or scrolling or something like that? Maybe someone else will remember them and post here.

Ray,

If you take the remote apart and find that the thumb wheel looks OK (not cracked or broken) just clean the button on the membrane that it uses to make contact with the board.  This simple trick might bring it right back to life.

The press down feature of the thumb wheel is not really a function of the wheel itself.  It just presses down on the membrane pad.

Hope this helps.

Dave

Thanks for all the great help. Is there anything special about taking the remote apart? Are there any photos or drawings that shows what it looks like on the inside? Perhaps a Youtube video?

Thanks,

RAY

Gentlemen,

    The thumb wheel on the DCS remote Control IMO should be up graded in some manner to eliminate the problems with it.  The MTH engineers need to re-engineer this thumb wheel to eliminate all these wear problems.  Unfortunately it looks like it's not going to happen any time soon.  Having run DCS for a considerable time I have had 2 of them replaced.  Now that I have 2 up graded DCS rechargeable remote controls, I will probably be gong thru the replacement operation again in the near future.

PCRR/Dave

Ray,

The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition has a discussion as regards opening up the DCS Remote on page 156.

This and a whole lot more is all in MTH’s “The DCS O Gauge Companion 2nd Edition", available for purchase as an eBook or a printed book at MTH's web store!

If you have Barry's book (DCS O Gauge Companion) it's explained in detail in there. Otherwise it's difficult at best and the worst part in my opinion. I need to also repair mine and I am slacking because of having to try and take it apart again.

If you like DCS get Barry's book.

Not much more cost than a piece of track and lots more helpful.

Russell,

   Well said, Barry's book is the Bible on DCS.

Got to admit MTH needs to due 2 things to the DCS remote package, upgrade the wheel

and make the Hand held completely rechargeable.

IMO, the thumbwheel is probably the worst feature of the DCS remote.  If you try to scroll up fast, it gets all confused.  Since it happens on at least half a dozen different remotes, I'm pretty sure it's not a defective wheel.  If it is a defective wheel, then there's REALLY a quality issue!  Even if you click up slowly, it often misses a beat or steps backwards.  They really dropped the ball on that feature.

Read Barry's book on how to open the case. That's the hard part, replace the wheel, They are not that expensive. My 7 years old remote with a new thumb wheel was better than new.

I know how to replace the thumbwheel, but every remote we have here and at the club can't have bad thumbwheels!

Don't get all excited when you roll the thumb wheel  Slow and steady!  G

I can't help myself, I just get so excited when I run the trains!

GGG,
   I am very grateful for how the DCS works over all, simply a fantastic engineering job,  any control unit that can operate my old trains this smoothly either from the TIU TR or the Z4K TR all from the Hand held remote control, is top shelf in my book, and to be able to run P2 and Legacy engines at the same time as old conventionals, on the same track if desired, man what engineering.  I cut them big slack on the wheel, and I hope some day, with all our prodding they will up grade it quality wise.  The rechargeable hand held, should have been incorporated in the initial engineering.  Now they need to engineer a recharge station as an extra add on.  A man or lady can actually forget how many different control aspects this DCS package can really do.  In the future I want the next generation HHR to control all different kinds of wireless low voltage switches, and rolling stock, the APPs are a nice touch to draw the younger generations back to OGR also.  Was testing all the different P2, Legacy and Conventionals to make sure the Christmas layout all functioned properly and remembered just why I invested in both the Z4K and the DCS, the ability to be able to run all these different kinds of trains from a hand held remote control has to be one of the greatest technical advancements this hobby has ever seen.  Now with adding the Legacy with the CC switches from the Cab2, all my child hood engineering dreams have become reality for me to enjoy.  I know the young people take this new technology for granted, not me.  Even further to have guys like Barry around who have the technical writing ability to explain in depth how to use the equipment, is seriously cool.  Further being able to interface here on the OGR with high grade engineers like Bill Ingraham and Guns makes this DCS/Legacy package even better, some of these guy's knowledge about electronics is actually spooky.
PCRR/Dave