Confession - I am new to DCC after decades of running DC, so I may just be lost in the weeds, but I have a problem... I am trying to change the Loco ID on a QSI Quantum decoder (in an older Proto 2000 diesel) using the Digitrax Zephyr... The Zephyr instructions recommend "dir" mode for programming, which seems OK for other engines, but for this engine, any attempt to read the current Loco ID returns the error code "d nr" (did not read)... The documentation for the old (2005) QSI Quantum isn't much help, so I am turning the the community...
Thanks in advance for help and advice...
Tom
Tom,
I have a couple of QSI decoder equipped BLI locomotives. I never had any trouble programing them with my Zephyr. I do the programming on a dedicated programing track in page mode. On page 18, section 16.2 of the Zephyr manual there is a step by stem tutorial on how to change a decoder address.
Press the PROG key on the Zephyr to enter programming mode.
Press the PROG key repeatedly until the desired method of programming is shown. (PAGE, PHY, dir, OPS) I normally use PAGE mode.
Press the LOCO key to select the address size you desire. AD2 or AD4.
Press the CV-RD dey to read back the address programmed into the decoder. (You can skip this step if you like.)
To change the address of the loco, press the LOCO key to choose the address format. Enter the address number you want with the keypad.
Press the CV-WR key to write the address into the decoder.
Press the EXIT key.
You are done.
Note: Though I have never had a problem some people have reported the inability to read or to program some decoders (Lenz) with the Zephyr. A quick fix to fool the system is to install a 1000 ohm 1/4 watt resistor across the programming track. This fools the Zephyr into increasing the programming voltage enough to overcome the resistance of the decoders.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
A problem that I have encountered when programming 4 digit addresses with my Zephyr is the failure to change CV 29 to the proper value. I have to set CV 29 individually to recognize the 4 digit address otherwise the loco will not respond to the new address. I am told that this doesn't happen if you use a DT 4xx throttle for programming rather than the Zephyr console but I haven't tried that yet.
Joe
Not so - just try writing. It will work.
Things that help - you need to turn off the verbal response in the QSI decoder. It tries too 'speak' every CV you program and that needs more power than the program track can provide. Also takes time which causes timeouts talking to the decoder.
The other thing I found worked, was to run the loco some and then immediately move it to the program track. I don't see how, but it seems to keep the capacitors charged up just enough to get it to work.
Or, if it runs on address 3, just use OPS Mode and program it on the main. Set CV17 and 18 to the calaculator values, and then set CV29 to the calculated value. Calculator here:
http://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm
That always works. You can't read on the main, don't even try. And it doesn't matter anyway.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I will take your word for "just writing" without being able to read from the decoder, but it sure makes me nervous just thinking about it... As a retired programmer, I always wanted to be able to see the results so I knew for sure that things "worked"...
I am aware that "my way" hasn't worked, and that the official Digitrax recommended method of using "blast mode" clearly states that if you use that approach, you will NOT be able to read CV values, so that may be what I try.
Eventually I think I will be adding a programming track booster "just in case" also... (My only frustration with that is that the recommended booster doesn't come with a power supply, so I will have to come up with that extra bit of equipment - why can't they just make it easy and bundle a complete package..?)
Ah but you can see the results - if it works, the loco will be on the address you programmed, not 3 any more. Other stuff I set on sound locos, liek the volume - well, you 'see' that by hearing the difference as you change the value for the volume CVs.
Be sure to get the PTB-100, not the Powerpax, the PTB-100 is reported to have better success with ALL decoders, the PowerPax works for some but not others. I still don;t have either and have no need, between my Zephyr and PR3 I have been able to program anything.
Also don't forget to read the section on "Blast Mode" with the Zephyr - that will program anything. It will also program anything left sitting on the main track, because what it does is program with full power, not the reduced program track power. There is no real need to use a program track booster with a Zephyr since it more or less has one built in.
I do have a fairly consistent fleet of locos since I am modeling a specific prototype. None of them need more than the very basics, an address, basic headlight operation, and maybe a top and mid speed limit set. No beacons, ditch lights, or other lighting effects. And I use all the same decoders, so after a couple dozen I have the CVs I need to set pretty well memorized. For the times I do want to read something back - my PR3 operating in standalone mode (connected to a piece of track, NOT the layout via the Loconet connection) has proven to be able to read anything I've thrown at it, including random locos of club members who don;t even remember what decoder is installed. Still no booster.