Identify decoder please

[Airbuspilot]

I have a problem decoder for a RhB Elektronik GE 4/4 111 cat no 21428 Glacier Express (651). The decoder looks to be original.

This loco has been running normally then decided to stop. I have no control with speed / direction / lights and sound.

I can read all CV’s, I get the motor shudder but it seems quite weak.

CV 8 = 131 which I believe would be Trix. Can anyone identify this decoder for me please and possibly suggest an alternative if no longer available.

Thanks

Robin

 

[Diesel2000]

Its a Marklin MSD decoder. Its MFX and DCC capable. You can likely replace it with a 55029 retrofit decoder, but the problem will be getting the original sound/operation file from Marklin for it. I dont have the MDecoderTool in front of me to see if this sound file is available, but I've found that not much if any are for locos produced before 2019, when they updated to the newer version of MSD3 decoder.

 

[PhilP]

If it is an early MFX decoder:
Can you read CV50 and report the value?

If the value has MFX enabled, but you are DCC, it could be that turning off MFX will cure your problem.

DO note the values of any CV's before you change them!

PhilP.

 

[Airbuspilot]

Its a Marklin MSD decoder. Its MFX and DCC capable. You can likely replace it with a 55029 retrofit decoder, but the problem will be getting the original sound/operation file from Marklin for it. I dont have the MDecoderTool in front of me to see if this sound file is available, but I've found that not much if any are for locos produced before 2019, when they updated to the newer version of MSD3 decoder.

Thanks for the information and the 55029 recommendation. Its a pity that I will have to butcher the wiring to make it work but I guess thats progress.

Robin

 

[Airbuspilot]

If it is an early MFX decoder:
Can you read CV50 and report the value?

If the value has MFX enabled, but you are DCC, it could be that turning off MFX will cure your problem.

DO note the values of any CV's before you change them!

PhilP.

I brought the Loco home to test the motors, I will have to wait for the next visit to the railway to test the CV's. If I understand correctly CV 50 should read 0 which means everything OFF except DCC? Definitely worth a try before looking at a decoder change.

Robin

 

[Diesel2000]

21428 sound project is not available but 21429 is (Blick). There would be no wire hacking to be done as these decoders are separate from the adapter boards where the connections are made. You could just pop the decoder off the adapter board and plug in the 55029, then load the 21429 file onto it. It will likely work as a drop in replacement as I would doubt the wiring schematic changed between those models.

Using the MDecoderTool you can load sound files onto the decoder through a CS3, but its much faster if you get the USB stick and adapter board and plug the decoder directly into a computer to load the sound file. You need the 60971 and the 55129 to do this.

 

[Airbuspilot]

21428 sound project is not available but 21429 is (Blick). There would be no wire hacking to be done as these decoders are separate from the adapter boards where the connections are made. You could just pop the decoder off the adapter board and plug in the 55029, then load the 21429 file onto it. It will likely work as a drop in replacement as I would doubt the wiring schematic changed between those models.

Using the MDecoderTool you can load sound files onto the decoder through a CS3, but its much faster if you get the USB stick and adapter board and plug the decoder directly into a computer to load the sound file. You need the 60971 and the 55129 to do this.

Having looked again you are correct, the decoder should be an exchange with no need to butcher the wires. Thanks for pointing that out.
Robin