Bring non-responsive decoders back to life

[Trevor McAlister]

Hi

I have two Digitrax DH465 and two SFX006 decoders that are completely non-responsive, I've tried the usual factory reset etc, they have no visible damage but may have exceeded their max current rating of 4A, or at least been very hot for a long period.

They are all 1-3 years out of warrantee, and the cost of sending them away to possibly be repaired is 75% of the new price.

These decoders are all spares as I have upgraded my big locos to DG583AR/S, but they could possibly have a future use in smaller locos.



Has anyone had any experience in bring decoders back to life, by replacing power diodes or voltage regulators etc.

I’m up for spending £10 – £20 on components, and doing some re-soldering, before I consign these decoders to the bin.

Regards

Trevor

 

[ntpntpntp]

I replaced a blown FET chip on a Lenz decoder a while back with some success but was never quite the same so I suspect some other damage had been done. I hate throwing stuff away, I have a couple of "fix-it" projects on my bench which I keep trying to convince myself just need a little tinkering, but there comes a point where it's not economic in either time or parts.

 

[idlemarvel]

I agree with Nick. Without a circuit diagram even with the necessary fine soldering skills you would be flying blind trying to troubleshoot and fix the problem. New basic decoders are "only" £30. Grit your teeth and put them in the bin.

 

[PhilP]

I agree with Nick. Without a circuit diagram even with the necessary fine soldering skills you would be flying blind trying to troubleshoot and fix the problem. New basic decoders are "only" £30. Grit your teeth and put them in the bin.

Tend to agree..
If you use such things, and are prepared to give the time for 'free', you can cannibalise the board for the bigger, more useful bits.. Transistors, diodes, connection strips, and the like..
You will spend more in time than the thing is worth, and as others have said, they quite often don't work as they should afterwards..

 

[Railway42]

I have repaired LGB decoders output stage lights etc using IRF7103PBF Mosfet but I use to earn my living in electronics and have the tools. I do not recommend anyone without experience doing it.