Hi, I just started using a PR3 programmer to load up a Dash 9 sound project on an SFX0416 sound decoder from digitrax. Well, I loaded the program and now I have no sound, nothing. I was able to get sound back by resetting to default settings and then I programmed it again and I get nothing once more. I try to reset to default and now that doesn't work either. Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? I'm pretty new to the programming aspect of sound decoders. I should also mention that I tried to program an SFX064D as well with the same results, I did however restore it to default and it still plays sound. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Jason
Since both of these decoders are sound-only, no motor decoders, I assume you have them wired in with another motor decoder. Digitrax claims they will work compatably with their other motor decoders. What kind of motor decoder are you using? I've got a PR2, and I used it to program an 0416 with trolley sounds for a Bachmann trolley. I found that I had to physically disconnect the Bachmann motor decoder to get the programmer to work. I also had to put a light bulb across one of the functions on the 0416 so that the programmer would see a load and allow me to program it.
When you program the decoder, does it indicate success? Before you programmed it, were you able to test the sounds through the PR3?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Yes, before I programmed them I was able to perform a sound test on them and it worked. Then after programming I got no sound. You are correct, I am using the DH123D with the sound decoders. The soundloader software indicates that it was programmed successfully and the LED's on the PR3 appear to be indicating that all is well. So you think I need to disconnect the motor decoders?
After you downloaded the new diesel sound did you change CV60 to 0?
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
No sir, I did not. Was I supposed to?
ETA: I just changed CV60 to 0 and nothing changed.
The default sound furnished with the decoder has CV60 set at 0 for steam and 1 for diesel. However, after you download a new diesel sound you then have to set CV60 to 0 to get the sound to work.
I had the same problem until I called Digitrax and was told to do this.
Now, if you install a SFX0416 or Soundbug in a loco with a non-Digitrax motor decoder you have to program the two decoders separately. You also must separate the the Digitrax sound unit from the motor decoder before downloading any new sounds, otherwise you could really mess up the sound decoder. I did this and Digitrax sent me a new decoder at no charge, which I really appreciated.
I would suggest that Digitrax make these potential problems much more clear in their instructions. Sometimes they just don't use enough words to make these things clear to the less experienced like me.
There are various techniques for programming locos with dual decoders and these are covered elsewhere on this forum.
Alright! Thank you guys very much for the information. I removed the motor decoder and was able to program the sound decoder with sound resulting this time around. I agree that digitrax should make this clear either in there PR3 user manual or with the sound decoder manual. But all is well now and I appreciate your help guys. Thanks!
Did you re-program CV 60 at the same time? I'm wondering whether the problem was CV 60 or the the dual-decoder arrangement. Since it was a Digitrax decoder, my guess would be that it was CV 60 that made the difference. However, the 123 is an older decoder, before the SFX series came out, so there might be some compatability issues even with that.
Thanks for keeping us informed on this.
Mr. B, I did exactly what you instructed in your first post. I disconnected the DH123 and performed the programming sequence. I then did a sound test and it worked like a charm. I believe CV60 is automatically set to 0 anyways, although I did check that just to be sure and it was set to 0. I think the issue is as you say with the dual decoder arangement. I'd like to see digitrax combine motor drive and sound on a single decoder someday as MRC has done. MRC's decoders don't always play well with others though which is why I stick with digitrax. Thanks again!
GMRJason Mr. B, I did exactly what you instructed in your first post. I disconnected the DH123 and performed the programming sequence. I then did a sound test and it worked like a charm. I believe CV60 is automatically set to 0 anyways, although I did check that just to be sure and it was set to 0. I think the issue is as you say with the dual decoder arangement. I'd like to see digitrax combine motor drive and sound on a single decoder someday as MRC has done. MRC's decoders don't always play well with others though which is why I stick with digitrax. Thanks again! Jason
That's pretty much what they've done, only it's 2 pieces so you can get the decoder now and add sound later. That assumes you use one of the new decoders that has the port on it to plug in the Soundbug. They do have some all in one decoders but those are for specific fitments on certain locos, although you probably could make them work on some others as well, and sicne you cna change the sounds, it doesn't matter that it might be for a Dash-8 out of the package. However, the 165 series decoders with the Soundbug socket I think was yet another piece of great thinking from AJ. Maybe I don;t ahve $99 today for a sound decoder, so this month I buy just the motor part, adn next month I buy the sound aprt. When put together it IS integrated. Pretty nifty.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Maybe I don;t ahve $99 today for a sound decoder, so this month I buy just the motor part, adn next month I buy the sound aprt. When put together it IS integrated. Pretty nifty. --Randy
Maybe I don;t ahve $99 today for a sound decoder, so this month I buy just the motor part, adn next month I buy the sound aprt. When put together it IS integrated. Pretty nifty.
And that's what's good about Digitrax for me as it's only $62.