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SE8C Malfunction?

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  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 602 posts
SE8C Malfunction?
Posted by NP01 on Monday, April 4, 2016 2:16 PM

My trusty SE8C seems to be having problems. It worked fine on Saturday. And on Sunday it won't throw switches or change signal aspects! I have 7 tortoises connected to 7 of the 8 ports.

A little bit of debug info:

  • The SE8C responds over Loconet. I am able to read and write settings
  • When reset the SE8C (there is a flash lights option), it changes signal lights. But otherwise they are stuck at Red.
  • When I click on the track diagram or throw the turnout (corresponding to a signal light) ... nothing happens ... no motor movement 
  • The motors do not appear to have power ... when I hand-pushed the 

The same power supply (a 1A one) is powering a BDL168, so likely not a problem ... but may be. Yes, I do have a single supply powering both units.

I have a long list for further debug (start disconnecting things) before throwing in the towel, but wondering if anyone has any quick gotchas I am missing?

NP.

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Monday, April 4, 2016 3:43 PM

Your post states that you "click on the track diagram", so I assume via JMRI?

Nothing like a loose wheelset or resistor across the rails anywhere, right? If the signals are dropping to red, it sounds like you have a issue with detection, and one too many commands, that conflict with each other.

Do you get the same issue using a hand-held throttle to switch the turnouts?

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Charlotte, NC
  • 6,099 posts
Posted by Phoebe Vet on Monday, April 4, 2016 4:03 PM

I had a similar problem with my SE8C.  I sent it back to Digitrax who returned it to me and said it was working.  I called Digitrax Support and they walked me through the install and setup.  It still didn't work.  It lit the signals but the signals would not change.  He had me send it back again.  They returned it and said it worked on the bench.  In desperation, I reset my command station and both DT402D throttles.  That fixed it.  I don't know why.  But apparently the SE8C was not the problem.

Dave

Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 602 posts
Posted by NP01 on Monday, April 4, 2016 4:18 PM

Ricky-

Both the JMRI track diagram and from the throttle ... no response. The signal logic is fine. It's complex, but it was showing correct indications until I purchased and installed a new DT402.

Pheobe-

Hm! I will factory reset the command station right now and see what happens.

NP

  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Charlotte, NC
  • 6,099 posts
Posted by Phoebe Vet on Monday, April 4, 2016 4:42 PM

Reset the new throttle, too.

Dave

Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, April 4, 2016 7:31 PM

 Simplify the Loconet as much as possible to make sure you don't have a cable problem. And put the SE8C on its own power supply, even though they say it is OK to share with a BDL168.

 What happens when you close OpSw21 on the SE8C? That should start it running a test pattern on all signal heads. Also make sure OpSw 14 is thrown to allow Loconet control. If you have all the settings for the SE8C saved, try closing OpSw 20 to reset the SE8C and test with the test mast.

                         --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    May 2012
  • 602 posts
Posted by NP01 on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 7:35 AM

Command Station Reset fixed it!

Thanks!

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