Is there a CV that needs to be changed to allow me to advance consist my MRC sound decoders with my Digitrax and TCS non-sound decoders while still using my cab numbers as the address? I have an NCE PowerCab and my system will only let me use the 3 digit consist address 1 -127 for advance consisting these disimilar decoder types.
Also, does anyone have any hints on how to better speed match the acceleration and deceleration rates between Digitrax and TCS decoders. I have played with CV 3 and 4 to get them to start and stop fairly well together but it seems there is a big difference in how they handle momentum. With Momentum set to 0 on both decoders the Digitrax units wanna start moving emmediately while there is a lag before the TCS units start to move. Changing CV 3 and 4 on the Digitrax decoders will allow me to get the start time close but then the TCS decoders wanna accelerate much quicker than the Digitrax. Thank you for any suggestions.
Modeling the BN and CNW in N Scale in the late 70's midwest.
Digitrax decoders default to turning off BEMF when in advanced consist. Look at CV57. It's probably set to something like 6. This means 0 BEMF in advanced consist, and a strength of 6 out of 15 for running alone.
This is a split CV like CV29 but only 2 parts, so it is much easier to work with hex values. If the loco already runs well witht he TCS when not in consist, read the current value of CV57. What you want to make the first digit the same as the current value in CV67 - in hex. So if it currently is 6, you want CV57 to be 66 hex, which is 102 decimal which is what you would program in. Just use the Windows calculator in programm mode, select Hex, key in the value (66) and then hit dec and it will convert to decimal - 102.
Alternate way - first hex digit is ones, so 6 is 6, but since it goes to 15, 10-15 are A-F. Second digit is 16's, so multiple by 16. In this example, 66hex = 6 x 16 + 6, 96 + 6 or 102.
This usually doesn't affect Digitrax users since they don't use advanced consisting by default/ Plus the old school of thought is no BEMF in consists because the two locos can fight one another, but I've never had this problem.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
oarb00 With Momentum set to 0 on both decoders the Digitrax units wanna start moving emmediately while there is a lag before the TCS units start to move.
With Momentum set to 0 on both decoders the Digitrax units wanna start moving emmediately while there is a lag before the TCS units start to move.
Then the CV to adjust is CV2, not 3 or 4. CV2 determines what speed step you start at. If CV 2, 3 and 4 are all zero, and one engine is starting ahead of the other one, change CV 2 on the one that's not moving to say 10, then go up by increments of 10 until they're starting at about the same time; then you can fine tune it to the precise number. Once the engines start at the same time, it will be much easier to get their momentum to match up so they start, run and stop together.
NCE uses CV19 advanced consisting and the only allowed values are 1-127 (129-255 repeat 1-127, except run the loco in reverse.). However, NCE also allows you to alias the 'top' or lead loco so you can control the consist by that loco's address. Read the consisting part of your manual.
rrinker NCE uses CV19 advanced consisting and the only allowed values are 1-127 (129-255 repeat 1-127, except run the loco in reverse.). However, NCE also allows you to alias the 'top' or lead loco so you can control the consist by that loco's address. Read the consisting part of your manual. --Randy
TCS and DIgitrax work with CV19, the only possible difference being the BEMF if you have a Digitrax decoder with BEMF - which you can fix per my first reply. A CV19 value of 1 is advanced consist 1, in normal forward direction. 129 is advanced consist 1 running in reverse, 130 is consist 2, and so on. This should all be set automatically by NCE when building the consist.
I have run into this problem with NCE PowerCab, MRC sound Decoder and Digitrax non-sound decoder. There seems to be a problem with CV19 getting set properly.
Look at CV19 on each locomotive after setting up the consist. CV19 should be set to whatever consist number you picked (PowerCab allows 112-127). If the locomotive is running in reverse CV19 should be set to "Consist Number + 128".
If consist number is 127 cv19 should be 255 to run in reverse.
Also make sure CV19 is set to 0 on all locomotives when you break up the consist.
WS
Did the OP ever figure out what his problem was ?
Yes I did, I am using addresses 1-127 for consisting mixed decoders rather than the cab number as I usually do
I have been trying to consist an Atlas GP-38-2 with a Digitrax non-sound decoder (DN136PS) with an Athearn SD-40-2 sound. I can get them to opperate together, following the same commands, using my NCE DCC Twin, but not when using the handheld PowerCab. I feel like I am following the instructions precisely, but it doesn't program as a consist. Any ideas? I am new at DCC but have decades of experience with DC. I really like the NCE eqipment and procedures. Thanks.