E-Z Command Control Center fried or not?

[Boomer Man]

We have this new DCC controller -- http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/PROD/160-44902 -- that came with our Bachmann set.

My son (now known as a knucklehead) inserted a bare metal wire from an electric LH track switch which was connected to the track into the I/O Port on the back of the controller, which then stopped working. He claimed he could smell plastic burning. I couldn't.

I'm guess he's shorted it. We've disconnected and then waited for to reset it, but can't get it to turn back on or anything. We've opened the back and see a disconnected red wire from the knob, but it doesn't look like it was fried or anything.

Any ideas on what to do next?

Thanks.

[ACY]

You may have to just buy a new controller because the warranty was likely voided by placing the wire in there. But wait for others to comment on the chances or repair.