04-04-2010, 06:53 AM
Here's a "sort of" review of the E8A...
On first inspection, the fit and finish of this model is really great. I checked my unit over and found no exterior blemish or broken parts. The detailing is superb.
Unfortunately, it all went downhill from there. After making sure I had control over the engine and its functions on the factory address of 03, I successfully reprogrammed the engine to the four-digit road number. I ran the engine for only a few minutes the first day, deciding to run it more the following day when I had more time. So (yesterday), I turned on the track power ready to run this engine for a while and heard only a crackling sound from the E8's speaker. No movement, no control over the light functions, no recorded sounds. After making sure the track and wheels were clean, I tried again and again to run the engine. Every so often, the engine would come to life and work fine, although noticeably slower to respond to throttle commands than on the first run fresh from the box. Then, it wouldn't run at all. After repeated attempts, the engine no longer works. There is electrical power going to the circuit board as indicated by a faint buzzing heard around the circuit board and a buildup of heat on or near two electrical components (6v and 10v resistors?) when power is applied to the tracks. I removed the shell and inspected it under a magnifying glass and found nothing wrong from what I could see. There's no indication of burning, no broken wires, nothing touching or grounding out from what I see. I haven't taken the entire engine and decoder apart since it is still under warranty. Without some guidance from Broadway Limited, I'm not going to tear into this engine and do the trouble-shooting for them. Much as I like the way this engine looks, it clearly has some problems and will most likely need to be sent back, so I don't want to disassemble it.
So there you have it. This is my first BLI/PCM engine and although it looks great, it no longer runs. I've already written to BLI/PCM and await their guidance and suggestions. Additionally, I called Factory Direct Trains of Asheville, NC, and should hear from them next week on what should be done next to replace this unit. Factory Direct is an "authorized" retailer for BLI/PCM, so this will be a good test to see how well they support the products they sell.
Stay tuned!
On first inspection, the fit and finish of this model is really great. I checked my unit over and found no exterior blemish or broken parts. The detailing is superb.
Unfortunately, it all went downhill from there. After making sure I had control over the engine and its functions on the factory address of 03, I successfully reprogrammed the engine to the four-digit road number. I ran the engine for only a few minutes the first day, deciding to run it more the following day when I had more time. So (yesterday), I turned on the track power ready to run this engine for a while and heard only a crackling sound from the E8's speaker. No movement, no control over the light functions, no recorded sounds. After making sure the track and wheels were clean, I tried again and again to run the engine. Every so often, the engine would come to life and work fine, although noticeably slower to respond to throttle commands than on the first run fresh from the box. Then, it wouldn't run at all. After repeated attempts, the engine no longer works. There is electrical power going to the circuit board as indicated by a faint buzzing heard around the circuit board and a buildup of heat on or near two electrical components (6v and 10v resistors?) when power is applied to the tracks. I removed the shell and inspected it under a magnifying glass and found nothing wrong from what I could see. There's no indication of burning, no broken wires, nothing touching or grounding out from what I see. I haven't taken the entire engine and decoder apart since it is still under warranty. Without some guidance from Broadway Limited, I'm not going to tear into this engine and do the trouble-shooting for them. Much as I like the way this engine looks, it clearly has some problems and will most likely need to be sent back, so I don't want to disassemble it.
So there you have it. This is my first BLI/PCM engine and although it looks great, it no longer runs. I've already written to BLI/PCM and await their guidance and suggestions. Additionally, I called Factory Direct Trains of Asheville, NC, and should hear from them next week on what should be done next to replace this unit. Factory Direct is an "authorized" retailer for BLI/PCM, so this will be a good test to see how well they support the products they sell.
Stay tuned!
Mark
Citation Latitude Captain
--and--
Lt Colonel, USAF (Retired)
Citation Latitude Captain
--and--
Lt Colonel, USAF (Retired)