Before I get a bunch of people telling me how bad the Dynamis system is and how limiting, I want everyone to know that I am running a very small layout that will only have 2, maybe 3 engines running on it, most likely only 2 at a time. the layout is 3'x5.5' with a possible add on section of 2'x4'. I am currently working with the 2'x4' section right now.
The Proto 2000 is the model with factory DCC with sound installed.
I got a Dynamis system just a month ago, I haven't used it much yet, but I did test out some of my engines with it. I have found that it does not seem to run my Proto 2000 0-8-0 engine. I have had success with it running other engines with no problems. The Dynamis does see the 0-8-0 and can communicate to it, I can get it to light up, whistle, bell, all that good stuff, but when I have the Dynamis instruct it to move either forward or reverse, there is no reaction from the engine. Anyone have some good experience with the Dynamis that could lend me some advice?ThanksKevin
I don't have a Dynamis, but your description sounds like you don't have the locomotive's decoder address entered property. I've had similar experiences with other DCC systems, so it is most likely not a Dynamis problem.
If you have not changed the decoder's default address, it should be on 3. Don't enter any leading zeros, just the number 3 and see what happens.
If you have tried changing the decoder's address to a "long" address, program CV 29 to a value of 34 as a separate programming step.
If the locomovite has a QSI sound system, you may need to press F6 one or two times to wake it up from a "shut down" mode.
When this engine was run a while ago, I did change the address, I changed it to the number on the side of the cab. I used that number to type it in on the Dynamis.
What is programing CV29 to a value of 34 do?
It is the OEM QSI sound system in the engine.
The engine came with a small magnet that will allow me to reset the engine to factory defaults if I hold it over the tender the proper way, should I do that?
thanks
Kevin,
Does your 0-8-0 run on address "3". If so, then the longer address may not have taken. Just put the 0-8-0 back on your programming track, run it through the address setup again, and readdress the decoder for the short and long addresses. You don't even need to reset the decoder with the magic wand.
Is your long address a 3-digit number. If so, you will need to add a "0" to the beginning (e.g. "0580") when readdressing to the longer number. Once that's been done you only need to enter the 3 digits in order to call up or select that locomotive.
Hope that helps...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
the address is a 3 digit number.
the engine was programed a while ago with a NCE powercab. I cant remember if I did it with the leading 0 or not. I will try out your instructions tonight.
If it works, then I will be pretty happy with this "cheap" Dynamis setup. I was able to do everything I was looking for with it.
I am actually moving from the NCE Powercab to this because when I had 2 trains running with the NCE and I switched from train a to train b, train b would stop and reset every time. I wasnt impressed...I still have that NCE powercab and a second small controller box with a knob speed dial. I like the Dynamis better actually.
I will try this out tonight and let you know what I find
Kevin
ondrek I am actually moving from the NCE Powercab to this because when I had 2 trains running with the NCE and I switched from train a to train b, train b would stop and reset every time. Kevin
I am actually moving from the NCE Powercab to this because when I had 2 trains running with the NCE and I switched from train a to train b, train b would stop and reset every time.
This happened when you used the RECALL button while operating only two locomotives? That's not normal. Or, were you using the SELECT LOCO button to access each locomotive?
Those are QSI decoders. If you can control the lights, the whistle, the bell, but it doesn't move when placed in forward or reverse and the throttle advanced, you likely have accidently placed it in 'disconnect' mode. Double press F6 to start back up. The disconnect mode is entered by double pressing F9.
Oh and Tom, in doing a quick search for this because I can never remember which is F9 and which is F6, I found a post of yours on the Broadway Limited forums from February, someone was trying to enter shutdown mode with an original Zephyr (not Xtra) - there is no F9 on the original Zephyr, and no upgrade. The original Zephyer does F0-F8 only, unless you plug in a throttle that has more, or use JMRI. The Zephyr Xtra does F0-F29 on the built in throttle. The only upgrade chip was for old Digitrax DCS100's, the really old ones, with speaker terminals instead of the screw terminals. They wouldn't go over F8 even with a more capable throttle, so the chip needed replacing. I'm registered on enough forums, don;t need to register on more to post in more places. Plus I only have one of their locos, well ok, 2 of the same one, but they are PCM ones with Loksound, not QSI.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the clarification on that, Randy. I thought I remembered reading that the Zephyrs could be upgraded to F0-F12 but I guess I was wrong.
So, 1st stage of shut down (double-clicking F9) only shut downs movement but still leave lights and sound active? I know 2nd stage turns off the lights.
Well, I ran short on time, so I just did what I thought would be the fastest and easiest, I quickly used the magic wand that came with the engine and reset it to factory default.
I then deleted the loco from the dynamis handset, it was #127. I then told it to add a new loco, default was # 3 and bingo, everything worked as it should. now to spend the 3 minutes it takes to type in the loco description and re-address it to 127 using the dynamis. I will be very happy now.
Next step is to take out this cheap micro DCC controller out of the bachmann thomas, it is an mrc with sound, but it just doesnt work right, and install a TCS T1, he wont have sound, but i dont think my daughter will mind too much. either that or spend the ton of $$ on the micro ESU loc sound.
ondrek Well, I ran short on time, so I just did what I thought would be the fastest and easiest, I quickly used the magic wand that came with the engine and reset it to factory default. I then deleted the loco from the dynamis handset, it was #127. I then told it to add a new loco, default was # 3 and bingo, everything worked as it should. now to spend the 3 minutes it takes to type in the loco description and re-address it to 127 using the dynamis. I will be very happy now. Next step is to take out this cheap micro DCC controller out of the bachmann thomas, it is an mrc with sound, but it just doesnt work right, and install a TCS T1, he wont have sound, but i dont think my daughter will mind too much. either that or spend the ton of $$ on the micro ESU loc sound. Kevin
Have you considered the Tsunami Micro? Cost less than the LokSound Micro. I use both.
TSU Micro, $112
Lok Micro, $128
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I looked up the TSU micro, what is the capacitor for? why do they need one and Lok Sound doesnt? what if I cant fit the TSU and that capacitor in the shell of the Thomas? is it a must have?
Ondrek,
I have a Dynamis pro system that works great except with my proto2000 f7a&b equipped with (drumroll please!) a QSi chip in the decoder. I lose the IR signal after about a minute of operation. I have great LOS so I know it's not that. I take the Pro box off and it works fine. I run my MTH Dreyfus with no issues. I had a discussion with another on another forum and he had similar issues with a QSI chip equipped decoder.
Pone suggestion I haven't checked yet was to see if there is a current surge when I hit the throttle that may cause the IR signal to drop or the loco to shut down.
Interesting that the common thread is the QSI chip....
Did u ever sort out your issue? If so, what did u finally determine as the cause?