13-Jan - see my last post - was able to revive the dead decoder.

I don't detect any chatter on the ESU forum on this, did submit a query there, but also trying here.

I recently upgraded to version 5.0.10, which is the latest version. I am trying to reload an existing sound file that I have successfully used and reloaded in the past. Now I get one of these messages shortly after the progress window says "Reading CVs".

Mostly I get "the detected decoder is not supported".

I am working on an N scale structure project and want to add some animation. I need to animate part of it so there is a constant rotation of around 6-10 RPM. It isn’t large and load isn’t the issue. My questions are around the best way to provide a low RPM solution that can run for 10-20 minutes in a stretch.

Things I have considered:

Gear reduction on a small motor running at speed. My concerns with this are:

I am finally in layout construction mode again as it gets further along, I'll need to be planning for power capacity to the rails in DCC operatoin.

The layout is planned to have:

- 1 approx 30' main yard with switching operations to local industries and engine facility.

- About 85 feet of mainline with two 21' passing sidings

- 1 staging yard with 14 staging tracks.

I am going to be visiting a gentleman who is selling Atlas code 100 nickel silver #4 switches for $5 a piece. A great deal if you ask me :) What I don't know though is what to look out for when buying used switches. This is my first layout so I haven't really even handled new switched. What should I look out for and/or test to make sure they are worth getting?

Here is a picture from the ad: