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Engine not working

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  • Member since
    March 2018
  • 2 posts
Engine not working
Posted by reval on Saturday, March 17, 2018 11:33 AM

I have an Athern engine with a Tsunami decoder that has stopped working.  I am using an NCE powercab.  Other engines work just fine, but this one has sound and lights that work, but the engine doesn't move when the throttle advances.  CV 11 is off.  NCE says it is not a throttle problem, probably the decoder, but it works fine with other controllers.  Any ideas?

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: North Dakota
  • 9,592 posts
Posted by BroadwayLion on Monday, March 19, 2018 9:22 AM

LION does not do DCC, but him is a computer expurt, Standard mantra is REBOOT.

 

Me tell users of me, REBOOT and if the problem is still there, then call me back.

Same applies to printers etc.

Should also apply to locomotifs.

Reset dekoder to original settings and start over.

 

If not that to work, "Replace the Motherboard."

 

ROAR

 

The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.

Here there be cats.                                LIONS with CAMERAS

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Monday, March 19, 2018 10:27 AM

You haven't mentioned it, but if you have not done a factory default reset on the decoder, you should do that.  

If it is truly a Sountraxx decoder:

Make that loco's address active on the throttle;

Enter programming in the mode called Ops Mode or Programming on the Main;

Dial in CV8 and enter the value '08'.

When you have finished assigning value '08' to that CV, the engine may do something like lurch.  Remove track power for a second and then restore track power.

Your locomotive should now respond properly, but on the default Add of '03', and you'll have to adjust all the usual CV's now to the values you had assigned to them.  Master volume, as an example...the locomotive will be very loud now.

 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, March 19, 2018 4:59 PM

reval
NCE says it is not a throttle problem, probably the decoder, but it works fine with other controllers.

I'm not sure what that means.  Are you saying that the problem only occurs if you're using your NCE throttle, but if you take it to an LHS or train club, the engine will work with other throttles?

reval
CV 11 is off.

I'm not sure why you're playing with CV 11.  That's "packet timeout" and it seems to have other effects.  I would put it back to default and leave it there.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Monday, March 19, 2018 9:01 PM

I have had the NCE Power Cab for some years and use Soundtraxx, Digitrax, LokSound decoders. Any issues and I use the reset issue in the program mode. Cycle track power and all is well.

Only one Tsunami that had an issue that SoundTraxx had to repair.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Monday, March 19, 2018 10:20 PM

richg1998
Any issues and I use the reset issue in the program mode.

Rich means doing the reset as described above.  The Power Cab has a menu option for a decoder reset that is only for NCE decoders.  Unpredictable things may happen if you try the reset found in the menu.

 

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Monday, March 19, 2018 10:35 PM

Reset the decoder.

Then try to run on ADDY 03. 

If this works, then reprogram the address, momentum, etc...

If the reset doesn't work, when properly done, then it's not a decoder issue. (Except that it is just defective and needs replaced.)

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
    April 2001
  • From: US
  • 416 posts
Posted by blabride on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 10:30 AM

Do you have a way to check it on DC? I had the same problem with a Genesis GP-9 turned out to be a bad motor. 

SB

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