Is MTH really this picky?

Some things are better handled through customer service. Lionel is the same way with a lot of their stuff too. 

I'm guessing getting parts for the Legacy system would be problematic for anyone outside of Lionel.

I had not heard that, and I stock some of the components.  I imagine they don't want to work on it.  It is labor intensive and component level repair other then a few items.  G

That is what I am suspecting. I thought I felt Pinnochio's nose growing a bit. I just don't want the hassle of sending it off to MTH and waiting 12 weeks for a repair.

You can buy many of the common components for the TIU from electronics distributors.  Of course, it all depends on what has failed on the TIU.  Since there is no detailed service information available for them, if it's other than stuff like drivers, it could be difficult for anyone but MTH to track down.

This is not really true Dave.  It is part of  the certification training, but there is no
separate qual or certification.  It purely is York the tech.  Aparently many do not like or won't do component level repairs.  TIU is certainly component level intensive.  G

Anywhere that would service it? The suspect is a blown diode on the variable 2 channel. The repair tech didn't seem to understand what I was talking about.

The diode is the easiest thing to change in the TIU  It costs about 2.00

I can do it.  Sorry you don't have an asc willing.

Here is a vote of confidence for G.    He does great work and very trustworthy.

 

Rick

Is this a DIY thing? I have plenty of experience with motherboards, but I've never really dove into the tiu. If not, I will send it off to you G.

I believe we had discussed it
before. The variable 2 channel is shorting out on the input side only. the fuse appears to be okay. No signs of black marks or anything like that.

Not a problem, got that covered.

Upon examination of the PCB in the tiu, the capacitors and fuses all look alright. The diode for variable 2 is labeled D801. Is there a way to test if it is bad?

Actually disregard the last post. I touched the diode after I applied about 10 volts to it, and that sob was hot!!!! SO who has one of these lying around for me?

Put an ohmmeter across it, if it's shorted, it'll read close to zero both ways.  If it's open, you'd never know, and there would be no symptoms.

 

Oops, I saw the second post, I guess it is indeed bad.

 

Is it a through-hole TVS or a SMT device?  If it's through-hole, I have some, I could send you one.

I have it if John doesn't.  E-mail in profile.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that John, so I've included an image of the diode that has shorted out.

Just do a continuity check across the diode.  If you get continuity, it is the bad one.

 

Dave

It's a tiny picture, but I can see it's a through-hole device.  Sorry I was too lazy to take my TIU apart to see.

Send me your email address and I'll send you a replacement TVS.  My email is in my profile.


Dave, if it's getting hot, it's bad!  It should be dissipating no power under normal operation.

Alright, I just sent ya an email.

I was in the same class with Dave and Dave  I melted the board so I don't do copmponents  LOL

The diode is on it's way.

Diode is received and installed. Was a very simple job. I can now run all of my loops again Thank you to all on this topic who helped me out, and especially to John for sending me a replacement. You certainly have saved me time for waiting for the repair. Nothing like the good ole' "DIY" feeling

:-)  Good Job

Cool!

Glad we could get you running.  Don't you wish all the problems were that easy.

Most certainly.
That takes care of everything for now (knock on wood)

 One more example of why this forum is so great.

 Nice job all.