Decoder repairs

ge_rik

ge_rik

British narrow gauge (esp. Southwold and W&LLR)
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Just been following Ian's postings about the repair of his Central Station with interest. I have two blown decoders (one Massoth, one LGB). The LGB decoder looks well and truly fried with a couple of well cooked chips, the Massoth look OK but just doesn't work. Has anyone any experience of having decoders repaired by Massoth - do they repair any and all, regardless of condition, or do they only tackle particular types of faulty decoders?

Finally, should I just parcel them up and send them with a covering note? That seems from Ian's thread to be accepted practice.

Rik
 
ge_rik said:
Just been following Ian's postings about the repair of his Central Station with interest. I have two blown decoders (one Massoth, one LGB). The LGB decoder looks well and truly fried with a couple of well cooked chips, the Massoth look OK but just doesn't work. Has anyone any experience of having decoders repaired by Massoth - do they repair any and all, regardless of condition, or do they only tackle particular types of faulty decoders?

Finally, should I just parcel them up and send them with a covering note? That seems from Ian's thread to be accepted practice.

Rik
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Are either in warranty? If so, you should return to the shop from which purchased.
If not, I'd suggest contacting Massoth first for these items. The P&P and labour charge for a repair - assuming it's possible - may exceed the cost of a new item.

To be honest, I'm also intrigued to see what Massoth's response may be. I had to return an ESU decoder last year (under warranty) and they replaced the item, no questions asked, which I thought generous given the potential for user foul-up at installation time.
 
whatlep said:
Are either in warranty? If so, you should return to the shop from which purchased.
Click to expand...

Any idea how long the warranty period is? The Massoth was new (but I accidentally shorted it out when testing it so not sure if it counts). The LGB will be well out of warranty.

Rik
 
ge_rik said:
whatlep said:
Are either in warranty? If so, you should return to the shop from which purchased.
Click to expand...

Any idea how long the warranty period is? The Massoth was new (but I accidentally shorted it out when testing it so not sure if it counts). The LGB will be well out of warranty.

Rik
Click to expand...

Minimum in the EU is 12 months, but that doesn't cover damage by the user. It's all on the final page of your Massoth chip's manual. All Massoth chips are protected against polarity short circuits, but not connection errors (e.g. between light and motor terminals). I guess it's write to Massoth time!
 
whatlep said:
ge_rik said:
whatlep said:
Are either in warranty? If so, you should return to the shop from which purchased.
Click to expand...

Any idea how long the warranty period is? The Massoth was new (but I accidentally shorted it out when testing it so not sure if it counts). The LGB will be well out of warranty.

Rik
Click to expand...

Minimum in the EU is 12 months, but that doesn't cover damage by the user. It's all on the final page of your Massoth chip's manual. All Massoth chips are protected against polarity short circuits, but not connection errors (e.g. between light and motor terminals). I guess it's write to Massoth time!
Click to expand...
Just a thought, I know that Glendale Junction repair some LGB boards such as the one in the trackcleaner. It might be worth contacting them.
 
whatlep said:
I guess it's write to Massoth time!
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I've just emailed Massoth. My breath is bated................
Will also try Glendale and Chalk Rail to see if they can help and/or what they'd advise.

Will keep y'all posted

Rik
 
Latest update

Had a couple of really helpful replies from Brian and Caroline at Glendale. Yes, they repair decoders but not able to advise on cost of repair until after the job is done (which is understandable) but if the repair costs more than a new decoder then they will not repair it.

As I've heard nothing from Chalk and Massoth I'm inclined to go with Glendale.

Thanks for your help chaps.

Rik
 
Chalk have agreat way of dealing with decoder problems - I know from experience. They replace them complete and charge for a new one. (Not sure about warranty claims)
 
OK - now for an update on this thread. I parcelled up both decoders and sent them off to Brian at Glendale Junction. Just had them returned. The LGB 55020 was not repairable so it was replaced with a newer 55021. The Massoth L has been repaired (though looks now like new to me). Total price £75.00 plus £2.00 postage.

So - whereas before I had two non-working decoders I now have two fully functioning decoders: which to replace would have cost me (best prices):

LGB 55021 - £63.00 (plus postage)
Massoth L - £52.00 (plus postage)
Total = £115.00 (plus postage)

I've not got a breakdown of how much each cost to be repaired/replaced but - I reckon I've saved myself about £40 by having them repaired. I can thoroughly recommend the service which Glendale Junction offers (I have no connection other than a satisfied customer).

Thanks for the suggestions chaps

Rik
 
Can anyone tell me which decoder I need to fit to a Stainz with a direct decoder interface?
 
Well that depends!
The easiest is probably an LGB 3
Link: http://www.dragon-gscale.co.uk/lgb-55027-mts-loco-decoder-iii-791-p.asp
but a 'small loco' is cheaper but harder to fit
Link: http://www.dragon-gscale.co.uk/lgb-55022-mts-small-loco-decoder-1096-p.asp
but I would use a massoth L (Actually I would use an LS and get digital sound.)
Link to L: http://www.dragon-gscale.co.uk/massoth-8154001-emotion-l-locomotive-decoder-2239-p.asp which is cheaper.
Or drop it round here and I'll fit it for you.
 
Mike Bett said:
Can anyone tell me which decoder I need to fit to a Stainz with a direct decoder interface?
Click to expand...

For a direct decoder interface, the only ones you can use without some rewiring are an LGB 55021 or a Massoth L. I'd go for the Massoth L every time. Cheaper and more functionality. They're both really made by Massoth of course!
 
Lenz will replace any of their chips no matter how long you've owned it, even if you shorted it out yourself. A no quibble lifetime warranty. Unless you are hard wiring though, a plug in chip should be foolproof. If it isn't foolproof then they class it as their fault. Our club only use Lenz chips for this reason.
 
Hi Stokers,

This Stainz has sound, as well as smoke etc. so I assume the Massoth L would do the trick, rether than the LS. Thanks for the help.

Mike Bett
 
Yes that will do fine. If you want a hand just ask. (Might even find you a chimney pot!)
 
Thanks Alan - I intend to use this Stainz with another Stainz (fitted with a 55021 decoder) as a double header (should solve a grade/number of carriages problem) would the masouth L work with the LGB chip in this setup or would I be better getting another 55021?

Can't find an exploded diagram of the 20212 Stainz - so no idea where the interface is - will probably take you up on your kind offer of help, when I get the chip required.

No problem with the chimney, found a suitable substitute, fitted and is looking good.

Mike.
 
Both chips are made by massoth but I cant say if they will work at the same speeds. Possibly best to get another 55021. There is quite a bit of the Stainz to take appart. I just did it by guess work. Keep undoing screws until something comes off!
You will need the connecting wire set as well.
PM me when you are ready.
 
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