DCC Decoder blows

[Julesdad]

When I fitted a DCC decoder to a Hornby L1 and powered it up with DC, it did not move and the decoder smoked.

I removed  the decoder, refitted the blanking plate and it works fine.

What should I be checking on the loco to find the cause?

[Fishmanoz]

Hi Jule's dad, welcome to the forums.  Put simply, check your warranty and then send it back under it.

[Julesdad]

Hi Jule's dad, welcome to the forums.  Put simply, check your warranty and then send it back under it.

 

Unfortunately it is now out of warranty, but thank you for the suggestion

 

[westernwill]

Most DCC decoders come with non-dc running set in the CV, so that was probably why the loco did not move on DC.

 

The smoke would probably suggest a faulty decoder or possibly a wire inside the loco too close to the decoder and heating up.

 

Finally, not sure why you are adding the decoder and then running on DC.

[96RAF]

As it is out of warranty have a good look under the socket for any stray solder or wire strands, also,that with the decoder plugged in the pins don't short on anything metal under the socket.

 

Another reason may be the loco is wrongly wired, so check the standard connection paths using a meter, pickups to socket, motor to socket, any lighting, etc, using the standard wiring pattern show in the DCC support section of the main Hornby site.

 

Just because the thing runs with the blacking plug in doesn't mean the DCC wiring is OK.

Rob

[Julesdad]

Thank you all for advice. Found problem bare wire.Now sorted and loco runs fine

[96RAF]

Good to have your feedback Julesdad

Rob

[Sultan]

Hi Jule's dad, welcome to the forums.  Put simply, check your warranty and then send it back under it.

 

Unfortunately it is now out of warranty, but thank you for the suggestion

 

I would still send the decoder back to Hornby with a covering letter especially as it was new and had not been used before.  They are usually very good at sending out replacements.  It must be worth a try at the cost of a 2nd class stamp.

Having read all the posts I see you traced the fault to a bare wire - so I wonder where the smoke came from?

[96RAF]

Having read all the posts I see you traced the fault to a bare wire - so I wonder where the smoke came from?

He already said it was the decoder, likely due to a short circuit from the bare wire.

Hence why it is always recommended to first check a decoder installation on the limited energy programming track.

Rob