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P42 just stalls on DC layout

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  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 257 posts
P42 just stalls on DC layout
Posted by Regg05 on Thursday, June 6, 2013 8:44 AM

Hey,

I just had someone install my DCC ready quick plug collectibles Athearn Amtrak P42 with the Tsunami Sound Decoder #828057 along with the lighting.  It is suppose to run on DC and DCC at least that was what I was told.  I ran it on the local club's DCC layout and it ran fine.  However when I took it home to my layout which of course is DC then it just stalled, however as I kept turning the throttle up I could hear the engine sounds but it wouldn't move.  What am I doing wrong?

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Ontario Canada
  • 3,574 posts
Posted by Mark R. on Thursday, June 6, 2013 9:47 AM

A sound decoder on DC needs around seven volts just for the sounds to engage. The engine will start moving if you advance the throttle above that point. When you slow your engine to a stop, you have to pay attention to your throttle setting. If you turn your throttle below the thresh-hold to keep the sound working, it will turn off as well.

Mark.

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: City of Québec,Canada
  • 1,258 posts
Posted by Jacktal on Thursday, June 6, 2013 10:05 AM

It seems that DC operation was turned "off" during decoder configuration,wich is recommended for DCC operation.To re-activate the DC feature,give CV29 bit 2 a value of 1,meaning CV29's actual value plus 4.Then give CV12 a value of 1.This should work.

Locos have a tendency to run wild (full throttle) on DCC layouts with DC activated after a shut down (short) has occured because it does get full track voltage slightly before the new digital instruction packet...it then thinks it's on a DC layout.

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 257 posts
Posted by Regg05 on Thursday, June 6, 2013 10:08 AM

Hey Mark,

I turned the throttle all the way up to the max which I guess is 100 scale mph.  I have to turn it up to almost 50 I think just before I hear anything and btwn 50-100 the engine gets louder but no movement also no lights come on either.  I originally had a NCE decoder in it and it ran fine on the layout.  Could it be my power pack which is MRC 1400 that has a on/off switch with power light indicator and a direction switch and the throttle knob.

  • Member since
    October 2002
  • From: City of Québec,Canada
  • 1,258 posts
Posted by Jacktal on Thursday, June 6, 2013 10:18 AM

Before attempting anything,give the installer a call.He probably turned DC off as a standard configuration procedure if he didn't know you wanted to use your loco on DC.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Thursday, June 6, 2013 10:25 AM

REGGO5,

If you can,take it back to your,club layout and have someone there,reset it,from DCC,back to DC..You can't do that with your,MRC..

Cheers,

Frank

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Ontario Canada
  • 3,574 posts
Posted by Mark R. on Thursday, June 6, 2013 10:48 AM

To the other replies ....

Not overly familiar with using sound on DC .... if the decoder has DC dis-abled, the sound will still come on regardless ?

Mark.

¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Thursday, June 6, 2013 11:08 AM

Mark R.

To the other replies ....

Not overly familiar with using sound on DC .... if the decoder has DC dis-abled, the sound will still come on regardless ?

Mark.

I always turn DC off because our club runs only DCC, but I believe the sound will work on DC even if CV 29 has been set to disable DC operation.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Chi-Town
  • 7,712 posts
Posted by zstripe on Thursday, June 6, 2013 12:11 PM

I am not familiar with,Tsunami,so I can't say much about them,,,I have six BLI'S,that I run on my all DC, layout,with 3-cab,control MRC,20'S...The BLI'S have QSI,QUANTUM,decoders and they can have some cv's set in analog with the on&off switch,,,,there is no display,but it talks to you and tells how to set it,,,my starting voltage has been set at 2.5v,start up,,I do not have all the cv,sets as in DCC,,,BUT FOR ME IT WORKS GREAT.....The lengthy manual,explains,all of this and on this decoder,sounds come whether it be DCor DCC...But I believe the OP'S been changed,that is why it's acting that way..

Cheers,

Frank

  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 257 posts
Posted by Regg05 on Friday, June 7, 2013 9:41 AM

Thanks Everyone, took it to my club layout and yep the DC/analog had been turned off.  So its now working although I do hate that on analog the engine sound is the same constant and never changes and no air horn or anything like that is working. 

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