Re: 2005 Atlas Dash 8-40B w/QSI Quantum eDMD Sound Decoder
This loco was operating properly and sounding realy fine as I pulled it into the yard and left it idling while I went to supper last night. I came back later to find it wouldn't run at all. All sound functions work correctly but with my Digitrax DT400 set in the FWD direction, advancing the throttle affects the motive power sound but the loco won't move. Setting the DOT to reverse and the directional lighting doesn't change, the motive power sound remains at an idle level and won't change and the loco won't move. Now, is it likely some CV got corrupted while it was sitting for an hour or so idling or did the decoder just die in its tracks (pun intended) during the same period of time? Any experience in this area? Thanks, Jeff.
I don't know if there is such a thing as a time out packet that the base station might send out if it hasn't received a signal in something like 10 minutes, but that may be the problem.
I have had weird behaviour that I couldn't seem to shake by inputs, so I merely reached over and shut off the base station's power with the toggle....count two, three...and power it up again. That solves the matter about 99% of the time. If it's still no go, it is a tether problem if a steamer or it's the decoder. If the latter, a full factory reset, as inconvenient as it may be, is what is in the offing. Again you are 99% likely to be on your way with a few more CV changes to customize the engine once more.
-Crandell
You may try a double press of F6. The loco could have gone into shut down mode. Make sure it is a double press of F6 in neutral.
Try that before a reset.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
I agree, try F6 several times. I've had it happen in the past out of the blue and F6 was able to fix it. If it doesn't reset the decoder.
Springfield PA
AMAZING! You guys are the greatest! Here I was panicking over having to replace a not-cheap decoder and the double F6 restored all functions, just as advertised. Awesome. Not only that, but after getting the manual out (I hadn't run this loco in over a year as I was building my new layout) I found a number of sound features I had never explored before with this loco that I will be trying out ASAP. Thanks again for your help. Jeff
PS - lesson learned: don't go off to supper and leave your loco idling on a siding. Actually, though, the local NS crew up the road do it when they stop and walk over to the nearby 7-11 for a snack on their way through town.
I am happy it worked. I learned something....if I ever leave a layout powered up for a long time and can't seem to get one of the QSI's to respond afterwards, try a double-tap of F6. I have only ever left the trains (idling!) for maybe five minutes, but there is always a first time.
Interesting, I wonder if that's a setting you can adjust. I don't recall seeing it, but then I haven't read the big QSI manual word for word, just gone through it to find the info I need. I should HOPE it's in there, how many people think their loco is broken when this happens? Keeping up with the times I guess - my computer goes to sleep, my phone goes to sleep, and now my locos go to sleep after an idle period.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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