Programming Cypress Engineering Flea DCC turnouts

[Buzz Hollow]

I have several Fleas and have not been able to program a different decoder ID although the turnouts work using ID#128 for left hand ones and 129 for right hand ones. I've tried using an NCE ProCab and an MRC Prodigy Advance with no luck. They work great with the old IDs however. There are several references in the manual one of which suggests the decoder ID should be programmed into CV16-18 with CV16=0 and CV17 and CV18 being the four digit address, two digits per CV. That is, ID 201 would be 0,02 and 01 in 16-18. Since there is also a reference to CVs 16-18 for route programming, this may not be correct. Attempting to "Program on the Main" and change the ID from 128 (or 129 as appropriate) did not get any success either. I've had some discussions with Lou at Cypress Engineering but the bottom line with them NOW is that the main technician is no longer there, some other staff has left and the business is in limbo awaiting some recovery efforts. They have agreed to return several Fleas I sent, but can offer no programming help or repairs, paid for or warranty. Does anyone have some success with these units. Mine have software revision 2.2 according to the power up red flashing LED indicating that it is set for DCC operation. Afterall, they do respond to addresses 128 and 129. Hank

[maxman]

Buzz Hollow

two digits per CV. That is, ID 201 would be 0,02 and 01 in 16-18.

I think the problem you are having is due to the fact that you cannot enter the accessory address directly into CVs 17 and 18 as you are attempting.  These CVs need a hex value if you want to enter the numbers yourself.  There is a hex to decimal CV value conversion calculator here: http://ruppweb.dyndns.org/xray/comp/decoder.htm

I don't know exactly what the steps are that you need to follow to prepare the Cypress decoders for programming.  For example, with a NCE Switch-It you need to install a jumper wire just for programming.  But anyway, assuming you've done that, you cannot use the "programming on the main" function of the ProCab to program the accessory decoder.  You need to use the "program accessory" function.  If you do this, and have already prepared the decoder for programming (installed any necessary jumpers), you can just enter the accessary number and the NCE Command Station will do the conversion and install the correct values in CVs 17 and 18 without any other effort on your part.

[Buzz Hollow]

Hi - Thanks for the quick reply. I was able to enter the proper CV value to set the turnout decoders to accept DCC commands. They come from the factory set to only respond with a toggle switch. That required programming CV63 with the value 53, both decimal numbers. I've tried using the "program access on main" as well as "program loco on main" on the NCE ProCAB and tried programming the address with "Program on Main" and "Program on Program Track" with me MRC Prodigy Advance but the turnout still only responds to its default address of 128. I'm sure if someone has used these turnouts successfully before, they have entered different ID#. If anyone has had this experience I would appreciate their input.

[maxman]

Here's something else you can try.  In the following thread, http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/159196/1758151.aspx#1758151, both Iron Goat and Allegheny 2-6-6-6 seem to indicate that they have these flea things in service.  Link to that thread, look up their posts, and send each of them a Private Message explaining your situation and asking if they'll help you.

And if you find a cure, please post it back here.

Regards

[markpierce]

Is Cypress Engineering still in the motorized turnout business?  I made an order, but was given a refund because the item wasn't in production.  Also, the company hasn't responded to my query about future production.

Mark

[maxman]

markpierce

Is Cypress Engineering still in the motorized turnout business?

 

They still seem to have an active website: http://www.cypress-engineering.com/ModelRailroad.htm, but whether or not that means anything is another story.  This might be one of those cases where a phone call would get you more answers than an e-mail.

You might also put FLEA in the search community box to the right.  I seem to recall some discussion concerning that company's viability, and you might find some relevant information in one of the threads.

[markpierce]

I ordered the item via their website.  No phone number is shown.

Mark