Decoder Problem (Maybe)

[jeep35]

I have an Atlas HO scale H-16-44 locomotive that worked fine for the longest time. I removed the engine from the layout so I could work on the layout and when I put the engine back on the track it wouldn't work. All my other engines work correctly. I'm using the NCE DCC system and when I try to reprogram the engine everything appears to be working correctly. It gives me the manufacturer number (127) and the version number (046) which suggests it's reading the decoder. When I program the engine, it moves ever so slightly and there is a very small electrical buzz coming the engine when I enter the address I want to use. I've tried using the recovery mode and the unlock decoder mode to see if I can bring it back to the factory default settings. I've tried using different addresses both sort and long but no success. I don't think the decoder is fried, but it has me stumped. I've checked the layout to make sure there were no other engines on the layout. As far as I know the engine wasn't damaged while it was off the layout. Anybody got an idea as to what might be wrong (including and quite probably operator error).

Thanks

Jim 

[cacole]

All of the locomotive's reactions to programming indicates to me that CV 29 needs to be reset.

If you have entered a long address, CV 29 should (preferably) be set to a value of 34 to tell the decoder to use that address instead of the short one, to run only in DCC mode, 28/128 speed steps, normal direction.

If some other value got programmed into CV 29 the decoder doesn't know which address to use so the locomotive will not run.

[jeep35]

BINGO!!!!!! Although for some reason when I looked at CV29 it said the value was set at 34. I typed in 34 again and it seems to be working correctly. Thank you very much for the help. You guys (or ladies) are the best. 

Thanks Again

Jim

[Hamltnblue]

Sometimes the number you see is the number that was last entered and not what's in the loco. One thing that helps is having good clean track and wheels before programming.

[rrinker]

 Just a note - do NOT use the PowerCab recovery mode on non-NCE decoders. It sets a bunch of CVs to what should be 'safe' workable values - for NCE decoders. It seems from the manual that it sets more than just the basic address and other standardized CVs - it sets some that are manufacturer specific and could cuase erratic operation if set on decoders that either use the CV in a different way or have that CV as a reserved value you shouldn;t change.

 Many decoders these days have a reset option, which involves setting a specific CV to a certain value. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and not everyone has implemented it, but there's a list on the Tony's Train Exchange web site of the ones that are known. If your decoder is listed as having such a reset, use that rather than the PowerCab's recovery.

                                 --Randy