A6X decoder fix

Important repair information for A6X decoders. See photos below!

Revision three of the A6X decoder began shipping in Early September 2006. It resolved the glitch that was discovered with the revision two A6X decoder. If you have a revision two A6X decoder the following information could be helpful. You can determine if you have a revision two A6X decoder if it matches the pictures shown below.

There is a glitch that became apparent in the revision two A6X decoder that affected some A6X decoder installations. Revision two A6X decoders have been shipping since the fall of 2005. Not all installations of A6X decoders have the glitch. The symptoms of the glitch varied but usually were one of the following: When running at about 25% speed or higher the decoder would A.) hesitate then come to a stop. B.) keep going at the same speed after throttle was set to zero speed. C.) reverse direction on its on. D.) if in consist, stop responding to consist address or stop running in a consist. The decoder would always recover and operate ok for a while after power was removed and put back on.

The fix can be easily accomplished by adding a 1/4" long jumper wire to the bottom side of the decoder. The photos below show before and after the jumper is applied. It is not difficult to apply but care needs to be taken to avoid a solder bridge (short circuit) to nearby solder pads.

All A6X decoders shipped in July 2006 and afterward have the jumper factory applied and the decoders will perform with no problems. The decoder has now under gone a design revision and all A6X decoders shipped beggining in early September 2006 do not need the jumper.

The jumper can be applied by the customer. If you are not comfortable in applying the jumper yourself you may return the A6X decoder directly to TCS for repair. Please mail decoders in a small box to avoid damage in the mail. Send to P.O. Box 341 Blooming Glen, Pa 18911. All repairs are covered free under the TCS goof proof warranty. There is no need to return the decoder if you are not having any problem, however if you are not sure or want to get it fixed just in case, you are welcome to add the jumper yourself or send it in to TCS.

Below photos are of bottom side of decoder. Note the "TSC A6X" decoder marking, the jumper is just to the right of this. The actual jumper is only 1/4" long. Top photo is before jumper is applied, bottom photo shows after jumper is applied. The jumper length is not super critical but it should be kept as short as you can, preferably like the 1/4" long jumper shown in the photo. To apply the jumper: A.) Tin the two solder pads where the jumper connects. B.) cut strip and tin both ends of the wire jumper. C.) solder the tinned ends of the wire to the tinned pads on the decoder. Be careful to avoid solder bridges to the pads nearby. You only want to connect where the jumper is and nothing else.

Revision two A6X decoder showing before and after jumper is applied.

Larger view of applied jumper.