Dead decoder or dead loco?

[DocDan]

I have a Specrum F40PH (Only NJ Transit Deisel I could find for now) with an MRC decoder and running a Digitrax cheif system. Recently the loco just died - no life at all. I'm not sure if its the loco or the docoder and I'd like to try and figure this out without clipping wires for now.

So far, I have tried to reporgram the engine. Digitrax recognizes the two digit address correctly but comes back immediately after the scan with a "nopage) message. The manual suggests that the system is recognizing a decoder but that it is not responding properly and then suggests programming using the "physical" mode (I believe). However, the Digitrax manula gives no info on how to do this and the documentation from the MRC decoder is too skimpy and virtually useless.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know these locos are only about fifty bucks but I'd still like to try and get this one going . Thanks.

Dan

[Anonymous]

First test, run jumpers to the motor. If the motor turns over as usual the problem is in the electronics. Then check the leads to and from the decoder, with a voltage meter if you have one available. If they check out, swap-out the decoder chip and try programing the replacement.

Randy

[randybc2003]

You don't say if you may or may not have scrambled programing by accident or not. I have had an older MRC AD310 decoder that runs 14/28 steps. Digitrax CHIEF had trouble talking to it. Check status of decoder, and Chief System. You may have to tell CHIEF what it is. See "Decoder Status" (Sec. 15.0), "Status Editing a Decoder" (Sec. 15.1), and "Notes for Users of Non-Digtrax Decoders" (Sec. 15.2) in the Chief Manual. Been there. Done that. Lots o' Luck - all good.

[randybc2003]

I re-read your question. If your question is "how to get to PAGE PROGRAMING", check Sec. 21, "Programing Modes".
I would go to your proraming track if at all possible. You may program everything else if you don't, but I'm not sure.
System on, etc. Push "RUN/STOP" & "FO" at the same time. Your Program light should go on. the throttle should say one of:
PAGE
DIRECT
OPS
(and I forget the last one)
Pressing F0 cycles through these options.

If you have trouble finding your manual, check the DIGITRAX website. They have manuals, etc archived, and accessable. Also, their Tech Support might be able to help.

Good Luck

[DocDan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do know how to get to physical mode with my throttle - but then what. I have no idea what to do from there. Thanks for the heads up on what sounds like a compatability issue between the MRC decoder and the Chief. BTW it is an MRC AD310. THinking about it, this loco has never run since I moved from MRC's Command 2000 system to Digitrax.