20-3708-1 Cab Forward stops responding to DCS

As an update when the locomotive stops responding to the remote and continues running pressing any button (whistle, bell, direction, a soft key) results in nothing happening. Pushing startup gets an "Engine not on track" message. The only way to bring the engine back under DCS is to cut power and turn it back on. Then it will be fine for 15-45 minutes before it drops out again. 

Your problem sounds a lot like what happened a few years back with the premier Big Boy or Challenger, don't remember which one.  It would act just as you are describing.  They finally figured out there was an error in the chain file code.  Your engine is from 2017.  When you download the sound file for it, the sound file is still from 2/20/2017, but the chain file has been updated to one from 1/30/2020.  Maybe they had other complaints about this problem and fixed it with a new chain file.  Can't be sure, but I would try this new chain file and see if it fixes your problem.

mrmacher posted:

Your problem sounds a lot like what happened a few years back with the premier Big Boy or Challenger, don't remember which one.  It would act just as you are describing.  They finally figured out there was an error in the chain file code.  Your engine is from 2017.  When you download the sound file for it, the sound file is still from 2/20/2017, but the chain file has been updated to one from 1/30/2020.  Maybe they had other complaints about this problem and fixed it with a new chain file.  Can't be sure, but I would try this new chain file and see if it fixes your problem.

Thanks. I wasn't aware of that issue. Most of the time if there is a tether issue the locomotive shuts off, instead of continuing to run. I did notice the more complex things I asked the locomotive to do (i.e. use the quillable whistle) the quicker it stopped responding to the TIU.

I checked out the chain file and parts were updated in 2018, 2019, and 2020. I'll reload both the chain and sound files tomorrow and see if it helps. They'll be an update tomorrow after doing that. 

If a PS-3 steam still runs you should still have access to communicate with the tender board, which is the brains.  If the engine stops and shuts down, no lights/sounds, that could still be drawbar AC power pins.  If you just loose motion and engine functions, that could be data line or the other pins that power the Boiler board.  So besides loose drawbar, it can be cracked pin joints, bad terminal connection at the wire crimp, etc...

In your case with the engine still running but just a lose of control, that does sound like a board related issue.  G

Well thanks to mrmacher for the tip. I reloaded the chain and sound files this morning. Ran the cab forward for an hour and fifteen minutes straight with no issue. It apparently was a corrupted chain file. 

Glad it worked out for you, love that engine.

mrmacher posted:

Glad it worked out for you, love that engine.

Thanks again for the tip. I'm glad it was an easy fix.

It's a nice looking locomotive. My only articulated as well. 

Easy is always nice, nice video!