shawn posted:The way that circuit board is payed out. You might be able to solder a dip socket to the board. Then, see if you can find a emu 812 chip. The ratings are a bit higher on the dip chip. Plus, you could replace it.
Yup. The EMD812 in DIP seems more available than the EMD811 in surface mount. Might be a challenge finding a place to mount a socket since I get the impression it's pretty tight quarters in the tower control box.
Separately, I'm not convinced the more "powerful" EMD812 (vs. EMD811) is the issue. What I find interesting about the 213 design is the controller inputs run right to the EMD811 IC chip. In looking at the technical description of the part, I believe the part will be damaged if you apply AC accessory or track voltage to a controller input. It is widely written that the controller uses the same lever switch as other track-side accessories. So in my way of thinking, a typical user might (in)advertently do so since so most accessories work that way. Then poof - maybe no magic smoke - but chip is damaged.
Here's an amusing EMD812 seller. Obviously some kind of translation program. I'll award a gold star to whomever can figure out what it's meant to say!