After restarting from a dead spot on track, all sound functions on my mfx BR 55 suddenly stopped working. The loco is from Mega start-set #29840 with running number 55-5415. I believe it’s technically the same as a #37540 BR 55 model. I use C-Track with a CS2 for running and control.

I have re-registered the loco, reset it to factory default, checked for loose PCB pin-seating, and for any separated wires. It still runs well, and the lights are fine, but it has no sound functions. The icons appear on the screen, but there is no response from the loco when I key them. It’s been perfect until now, and is my favorite steam loco.

Help needed to restore the sound, or at least suggestions on steps to diagnose the problem; e.g,, burned board, bad speaker, crossed wires, etc. Again, the BR 55 still runs well, but without any sound functions.

Thank you -- Richard

Edited by user 26 January 2014 04:09:53(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

The loco is so old, the speaker(s) will probably be 50 or 100 Ohms.

The loco is so old, it has a decoder where the factory reset really works and also restores the volume settings.

I'd say: most likely a damaged speaker, maybe a damaged sound decoder (fried amplifier). Configuration problem is very unlikely after a factory reset.

Thanks, Tom & all for your responses. Since the loco works well otherwise, I also am hoping that the problem is merely bad speakers, rather than a fried amplifier. The photos attached show the speakers in the tender mounted and out of their case, respectively. The two speakers are 50 ohm, 0.5 watts each, wired in series. Space available is 1-1/2 X 3/4 X 1/4 inches.

Pardon my ignorance, but does that mean a single speaker replacement should be 50 ohm @ 0.5 watt, 100 ohm @ 1 Watt or some other specification?

Thanks again -- Richard

The loco is hardly that old - 2007/2008 wasn't that long ago!

Yes, not that old & performs smoothly, quietly & powerfully w/maintenance -free can motor, LEDs, and metal body and tender w/open cab & high cosmetic detail. Despite its DB marklngs, it looks splendid on track heading a long rake of Wurttemberg freight cars. I like it a lot. And the sounds were great.

As for a new speaker . . . . . it's easy to find 100 ohm, 1 watt units but so far I've not been able to find one small enough to fit the space available in its tender (see my Post #7). I'll update when I find something that fits.

Regards -- Richard

Thank you. I'll order one today.

So all sound function is working now with an 100 Ohm speaker at 1 Watt...?
That´s good news!
A notice about old speakers name...it stands "Veco".
I thought speaker was made by of ESU.

Hi Richard,

Fantastic !

You have just tested the power of this fantastic forum: the knowledge of its members and the help they can give to solve technical problems.

Cheers

Renato

Hi Peter,

The 39500 is one of my favorites. Sinus drive and a great looking loko.

The speaker is 20mm round, 32 ohms. I looked at SBS4DCC, but he did not have anything. It may be an odd ball, or I may not be looking in the right place.

My responses to a number of recent posts . . . . . . .

To Goofy – The OEM speakers I showed earlier were made by Veco, but I could not find a unit from them. The 2-speaker ESU 50447 unit that I installed as a replacement (per “pa-pauls” post) has identical specs and dimensions as the Veco unit. It comes unwired, but that wasn’t a big issue.

To Janne75 – A DRG-marked BR 55 would indeed fit the Wurttemberg cars a bit better prototypically. Both are very nice locos. I just squint a little & everything’s fine.

To Petestra – (1) FWIW, I bought the ESU speakers from “Model Train Stuff” in Maryland (modeltrainstuff.com). They stock a very wide variety of speakers from many makers, and also list their basic specifications. Delivered cost was about $11. Once you have correct speaker specs (e.g., per “biedmatt”), they may be a decent place to look for a solution to your 39500 problem.

(2) Off-topic, my equivalent to your 39500 E 50 is a green-liveried mfx Swiss Ae 6/6 (37362). It’s not SDS, but operates smoothly & quietly with a good range of electric loco sounds. It’s of similar prototype vintage as the E 50 and is also one of my favorites.

(3) Finally, I also need a replacement speaker (I think it's an 8 ohm) for a 37184 BR 18.4. Since its sounds are just a bell & whistle, a fix hasn’t been a high priority. But after my good, simple & inexpensive experience with the BR 55, I may move it up a bit on my to-do list.

To All – Yes, the Forum’s been VERY helpful, especially to a still-learning user like me. Thanks again.

Regards -- Richard

Peter -- Good! I hope you find one that works & fits. Per "going to digital", I've done it gradually over the last 2-3 years. I appreciate your compliment, but many times during that transition (and often still), I've found my Username entirely appropriate! It's been a nice learning process that's very far from over.

Regards -- Richard