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Decoder question

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  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Cleveland, OH
  • 60 posts
Decoder question
Posted by joe1965 on Sunday, March 7, 2010 7:42 PM
I'm fairly new to DCC electronics and just converted my layout a few months ago. The question I have is that some of my locomotives start moving at speed step 1 while others start moving at 20-25 speed step. Why just a difference between the two? Is there a way to adjust the start voltage &/or CVs to make the other locos start moving at speed step 1?
  • Member since
    May 2008
  • 4,612 posts
Posted by Hamltnblue on Sunday, March 7, 2010 7:57 PM

 The answer is yes.  Do you have the manual that came with the loco's?

 If not what brand and Model's do you have?  There are a few different settings that can affect the start speed. Also there are beginner DCC guides available on this site I recommend you read. It will save you a lot of grief.

Springfield PA

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Cleveland, OH
  • 60 posts
Posted by joe1965 on Sunday, March 7, 2010 10:57 PM
I have two Athearn blue box locos with Digitrax DH123AT decoders which I'm looking to tweak the settings.
  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Monday, March 8, 2010 9:10 AM

Take a look at CV3 also, it could be the momentum got set very high so it's just taking a long time to ramp up to enough power to move the engine. I believe NCE decoders ramp up right to the amt needed to move the engine, then apply momentum from there, but most decoders just slowly apply power based on CV3.

Stix
  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Cleveland, OH
  • 60 posts
Posted by joe1965 on Monday, March 8, 2010 12:11 PM
Thanks Dave that seemed to help alot. Just need to fine tune the CV some more.
  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Cleveland, OH
  • 60 posts
Posted by joe1965 on Monday, March 8, 2010 12:12 PM
Thanks. What should the CV3 value range be?
  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Monday, March 8, 2010 1:19 PM

CV 3 is just a matter of taste, just depends now who slow you want it to accelerate. If you set it high say around 15 or more, if the wheels or track is dirty the engine can stall. If I change CV 3, I use around 6.

       Cuda Ken

I hate Rust

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