Odd issue with a sound decoder (Tsunami decoder and SoundTraxx speaker)

[Bart1701]

I have an N-Gauge Kato Mikado that has a Tsunami decoder and SoundTraxx speaker mounted in the tender. This decoder is used for sound only. There is another decoder in the boiler that controls the locomotive.

It has been working flawlessly for many years, until the other day. All of a sudden the sound just turned off. I popped the tender shell off its frame and the decoder did have a red light illuminated (which I believe indicates that the decoder was getting power). In fiddling around with it, I discovered that if I pressed ever so lightly on the top of the speaker (the diaphragm?) that I would get sound back. As soon as I let go, the sound stops.

My crude solution to this problem was to cut a small piece of foam from a Kato locomotive storage case and to put it between the speaker and the top of the tender shell.

All seems to be working now, but I am curious what would have caused this situation...and what the better solution to it would be?

Thanks,
Bart

[jdcolombo]

Sounds to me like you need a new speaker.  If it works when you press on the diaphragm, this indicates that there may be a loose or frayed wire in the speaker coil.  I'd replace the speaker and see if that fixes things.

John C.

[Bart1701]

Thanks, John!

I'll give a new speaker a try.

Bart