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Genesis MT-4 Number Boards, Back-up Light Not Lit

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  • Member since
    December 2010
  • From: Portland, Oregon
  • 658 posts
Genesis MT-4 Number Boards, Back-up Light Not Lit
Posted by Attuvian on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 9:31 PM

I recently dropped a TCS T-1A into an Athearn Genesis MT-4 that I had purchased a few years ago as DCC-ready.  At our club's open house this past weekend I noticed the lighted number boards on a fellow member's MT-4 and wondered why mine are not lit.  The headlight works properly.  Come to think of it, there is also no spot light on the tender when it is in reverse.  Can't imagine that it would be designed as non-functional.

Are these functions controlled separately on the hand-held (Digitrax for our club), that is, other than by Function 0, or do I have a programming issue at hand?  Hang in there, folks.  I really won't have an oppertunity to get it back on a test or programming track until after Thanksgiving.  Just wanted to ask what I may be dealing with here.

And a Happy Thanksgiving to all!  One of the things for which I am grateful is the generosity and helpfulness of this community.  And a sweetie that supports both the hours and the modest bucks I throw at the hobby.

John

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Thursday, November 28, 2019 12:24 PM

Did the lights work before you added the decoder?

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

  • Member since
    December 2010
  • From: Portland, Oregon
  • 658 posts
Posted by Attuvian on Thursday, November 28, 2019 2:04 PM

MisterBeasley

Did the lights work before you added the decoder?

 
Mr. B,
 
That is a good question.  Regrettably, I can't remember.  I have a second MT-4 to which I've just added a T-1A, but have yet to get it programmed.  When done, perhaps there will be a difference between the two that will shed some light (yeah, yeah, that was intended) on the issue.
 
John  
  • Member since
    December 2014
  • 443 posts
Posted by Wolf359 on Thursday, November 28, 2019 3:01 PM

I don't run DCC, so I can't help with anything like decoder issues, but have you looked into the possibility that it could be something as simple as a couple of loose wires or connections? If all else fails, I'd try that.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Sunday, December 1, 2019 7:29 PM

 The T1 is only a 2 function decoder. You should have a headlight and a backup light ont he tender - default programming is that these lights are directional, so the tender light would come on when F0 is on and the loco is moving in reverse.

If the number lights are wired together with the headlight, then they should all come on, but if the number board lights are independent, then you will need a decoder with more functions, and need to program another function button to light the number boards.

                                           --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

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

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