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I have one with the 2N6071 that I have to replace, and I noticed the earlier ones used the T2322B, which is a lower rated part. Nice to be able to stock one part to fix the old ones as well.
Curious that the triac went out, I tested with another older R2LC and the current was less than an amp to the smoke unit, and all was well in the wiring.
Maybe someone tinkering shorted the smoke unit, this is not a new locomotive.
I realize that, however in this case I don't think that's a real issue. Remember, the ratings of the one that I'm replacing are less in every way. Hopefully, that's still something I remember from 40 years of electrical engineering practice.
John, I was answering how your original one may have expired despite the current load being less than the rated current load.
If you look at the data sheets closely, you will see that both are the same wrt the Gate limits. Maybe the Gate failed over time.
How long you been retired...:-) G
Like I said, the current was less than an amp, and that triac should be able to handle that easily, even without a heatsink. I also have a bunch of locomotives with the older R2LC, and none of them have eaten the triac. I'm guessing that the output was shorted and cooked the part.
Is there any chance the smoke element was shorted to the smoke chamber housing at one time? This or any short in the circuit form the R2LC to the smoke unit would cause havock.
I got the locomotive used with the smoke already non-working, so anything's possible. I took it apart and repacked the smoke unit, also checked the wiring. Replaced the part and all is well, or at least as well as a Berkshire Jr. smoke ever is.
Well, I'd probably get a replacement and keep it handy, if it shows signs of heat it could croak. OTOH, it may last forever, there's no way of knowing. You can just run it until there's a problem, there may never be one.
The triac I mentioned, 2N6071, will work in your board. I bought them at Digikey
I'd use this one, it's the one I'm using: 2N6071AGOS-ND The other one has a lower gate current, but this one is lower than the original for older boards, the T2322B.