I've been running my layout on a 5A Power Pro radio system that I've had for years. Never had any issues except that the radio had a slight delay in it at times.
Last update I did to the firmware was December 2004.
In an effort to possibly eliminate the radio lag (I have the first radio version on my system), I ordered the latest firmware update from NCE (March 2007 - they don't update the firmware very often!). It arrived yesterday.
Today I installed the new EPROM. When I turned the system on, my BLI Paragon3 Consolidation began running in reverse, then forward, then reverse again. After a few seconds it went to high speed in reverse. Meanwhile, a P2K Heritage 0-6-0 with a basic Digitrax decoder slowly backed out of the roundhouse and into the turntable pit. About 10 seconds after turning on the power, the Bachmann 10-wheeler into which I just installed a Wowsound kit began moving forward - all without my touching the buttons on the throttle. Apparently the system is sending random commands.
On top of all that, the hammerhead throttle's two line display says "NCE PROCAB V1.3" on the first line and "CAB ADDRESS = 02" on the second line. No matter what buttons I push on the throttle the display doesn't change.
The EPROM is installed correctly. I did not put it in backwards.
I switched back to the old EPROM and the system is fine.
I disconnected the track bus and repowered the system. Throttle shows the same information. I removed and reseated the EPROM. Same thing.
I have a call into NCE, but they're closed. Hopefully I'll receive a call back tomorrow, but I was wondering if anyone here might have an idea as to what is going on. I can't find anything on-line about this sort of an issue occurring, let alone how to correct it.
Bad EPROM? Maybe. Any thoughts?
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Possibly bad eprom. I remember when I did mine a long time ago. turned out the eprom I was sent was scrambled in route. So it could be bad. or just something in the unit needs to be reset or adjusted. I do remember adjusting something with plugs an SIP possibly.
Try this to start unscrew the anntenna from the throttle, unplug the reciever, and plug it into the base station directly and turn it on. I do remember doing that directly when I first updated it so the eprom can see it. once it recognized it< iwas able to return it to radio.
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
Mark, if you are not already a member of the NCE-DCC group on groups.io, I suggest that you sign up and post your question. There are some very, very knowledgeable members in that group.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain Mark, if you are not already a member of the NCE-DCC group on groups.io, I suggest that you sign up and post your question. There are some very, very knowledgeable members in that group. Rich
I'm a member, but I haven't visited in several years.
Question posted. We'll see what comes of it.
Pruitt richhotrain Mark, if you are not already a member of the NCE-DCC group on groups.io, I suggest that you sign up and post your question. There are some very, very knowledgeable members in that group. Rich Great idea Rich, thanks! I'm a member, but I haven't visited in several years. Question posted. We'll see what comes of it.
Great idea Rich, thanks!
Mark,
It could be a bad EEPROM. Were you careful to ground yourself before removing the EEPROM from the antistatic bag? Static can wage havoc on chips.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
tstageMark, It could be a bad EEPROM. Were you careful to ground yourself before removing the EEPROM from the antistatic bag? Static can wage havoc on chips. Tom
Seriously, I grounded myself on the system chassis before I unwrapped the EPROM.
After talking things over with the NCE group and trying the things they suggested, nothing has changed. I'll just have to talk to NCE Tech support, and I suspect they'll send me a new EPROM.
Since the old EEPROM still works, that rules out your PH Pro. So, yea, NCE will most likely mail you another one.
Years ago, IIRC, I received an upgrade chip for my Power Cab that was bad and NCE immediately sent me a replacement at no charge. Good folks.
I talked to NCE Tech Support (Ed) today, and they are sending me another EPROM. I was able to immediately rule out all other causes, since I checked everything he suggested last night, based on suggestions from the NCE io group and folks here.
Thanks everyone!