Do Tsunami's require a booster for programming?

[Jacktal]

Simple question...is the Soundtraxx booster needed to program Tsunami decoders?If so,I'll order one.

I installed a TSU 750 in one of my locos (Athearn N scale Challenger).After the installation,it ran fine on adress 03 and needed just a little tweaking with sounds...that simple it seems.Did as I did with the original MRC in both this loco and my Big Boy...program on the main,starting with the desired adress.The decoder went silent...or nearly.The loco just sits there on the track and I can hear a very low volume "ting ting" sound,as if the fireman was banging on something with a tool,about every two seconds.No smoke nor strange smell however.

Now everything I try fails with one exception...DCS200/DT400...op mode...when I select CV and datas,and then press "enter",I get a "good" reading on the DT400 screen and hear a mild crackling sound from the decoder,like static would make.The three other modes show "no d" on the screen,btw.I thought I had found the way but the decoder still doesn't hold any setting.I gooffed up...now I'm trying to save what's possible.I tried with my PR3,linked as per Digitrax instructions,and don't get anything at all.I have a feeling that the PR3 is defective but can't verify other than checking prog. track voltage,and there isn't any.

On top of not being a software wizard,am I having faulty or insufficient hardware?

[selector]

I programme all decoders, regardless of make, on an isolated track section that happens to be the 20" lead to my turntable.  I use Paged Mode with my DT400 and DB150 comprising a Super Empire Builder.  This is per Digitrax's own instructions that come with the DB150.  Once the address is established in the decoder, and CV29 is appropriately configured for either a long or short address and DC or dual mode running, I switch to Ops Mode for any other CV inputs.  So, while the answer to your primary heading may be yes for some systems, it is not so for the mighty DB150 and its 5 amps of power.

I am sure I recall that other systems do require boosters or a resistor across the tracks for several sound decoders, the QSI's and Tsunami among them.

[wjstix]

My first-run BLI Hudson from about five years ago needs a booster, no other sound decoder I've used since (MRC, Soundtraxx / Tsunami, Digitrax or QSI) have needed one.

[rrinker]

 Easy to see why it's confusing though, When the Tsunami first came out, they said you DID need a booster, hence the Soundtraxx PTB-100. Now it current Tsunami ads, they say no booster is needed. So what changed? Did they fix up the hardware?

                  --Randy

 

[MRRSparky]

I use a Digitrax Zephyr and am able to program decoders in Ops or Programming track mode.   I cannot readback Soundtraxx decoders of any kind, either LCs or Tsunami.  I can read back Digitrax, TCS and Loksound decoders (sound). 

I decided to buy the Soundtraxx PTB 100 so I can figure out what is wrong with one of my two Tsunami T-1000s. 

From what I have read, read-back is not a problem with any Lenz or NCE DCC system.  The Zephyr only dishes out about 2.5 amps so I suspect that is the cause of the read-back weakness.  The Digitrax DB 150 will not read back any decoder.

[richg1998]

 I must be lucky. All I run are the 750's with a NCE Power Cab. No issues so far.

Rich

[simon1966]

I have a Digitrax Zephyr and have no problem reading or writing CV's to Tsunami decoders.  I have also been using Cuda Ken's PR3 and again, can read and write CV's to my hearts content.  No booster on either needed.