Digitrax Zypher eratic behavior

[Gwolfe]

I have a Digitrax Zephyr DCS 50 (not the XTRA model) that seems to be misbehaving. Symptoms: 1)While one type of decoder performs correctly (Digitrax DN163K0a) other tested and proven decoders (TCS 1286 CN-GP) can't be controlled. Even if not selected, the locos (I have several) light up and sometimes begin to move. 2) Sometimes, if this type of loco/decoder has been selected, it stops and starts repeatedly and occasionally will run out of control, i.e. the throttle won't stop it without cutting track power. 3) Even the DN163K0a, when NOT selected, will move slowly in the direction selected on the throttle of other locomotives being operated. Has anyone else experienced this kind of problem? Any reasons to suspect the power supply? Thanks for your suggestions and advice. Glenn

[Gwolfe]

Sorry, I realize this should be in a different forum but I don't know how to move it. Glenn

[WRGMILW]

HI Glenn

 

Did you program on the main ?  If Yes , you may have set all decoders to the same address.

Or your power supply is bad.   Or you had a power Surge & fried the circuit  board.

I had the earlier DCS-50 .  I currently have the new Dcs-51 .  Both ran /run good . 

good luck

 

 

[maxman]

Gwolfe

Sorry, I realize this should be in a different forum but I don't know how to move it. Glenn

You could probably ask one of the moderators to move it to the DCC forum.  Or it might be just as easy for you open a new post in that forum with the same info.  Then come back here and edit your first post to say that you moved the question.

[jrbernier]

Glenn,

 

  Since you have multiple decoders doing this, I would be very suspect of 'noise' in your wiring.  If  a decoder senses power, but not a good clean DCC signal, it will revert to DC mode and start moving.  If you have a piece of flex track, wire the DCS50 directly to it(disconnect from the layout) and see if the problem still happens.  I had a 'test track' made up of Bachmann EZ Track - I stated getting similar issues due to loose rail joiners.  If the problem persists even on the flex track, it may be a Zephyr issue that will need a trip back to the factory.

Jim

[Paul3]

One thing that all DCC decoders should have programmed into them is to change their DC/DCC status to DCC-Only.  For a 4-digit address decoder, that means your CV29 should be programmed to 34 (default: 38).  For a 2-digit address, it should be CV29=02 (default: 06).  What can happen is random runaways due to a short circuit being interpreted as straight DC current.

Paul A. Cutler III

[ba&prr]

It could be the decodeers are set for analog(DC). Program CV29 for DCC only. Also, do you have any throttles hooked up to the Zypher? IE UT4x,DT40xx? If so, make sure the throttles don't have the same address on each. This can cause problems as well. Check out the Digitrax Yahoo user group as well.  Joe.

[Gwolfe]

Great advice and things to try. Thank you. My layout is the MR Salt Lake Route - Kato component track. Thanks again - Glenn

[rrinker]

Locos starting and stopping is almost always that they are selected on more than one throttle. Yes, this can happen with just the Zephyr and no extra throttles connected, if they are not properly dispatched. See the back of the manual for the procedue to do an OpSw 39 reset to compeltely clear the Zephyr's memory and restore the system to factory defaults. If this solves the problem - remember when done with a particular loco, make sure the throttle is all the way to stop, the brake lever is in the brake position, and press the Loco button adn then Exit.

            --Randy