Hi all, recently installed a MC1 soundtraxx mobile decoder (direct plugin no sound) into my new loco. But, PowerCab says it can't read the CV from programming track mode and it will only run in reverse. It will run great in reverse and headlight function works, and I am able to change short and long address using main track programming (ops) mode, but I cannot get it to go forward or read the CV! I would think its the controller or track power, but I have a Bachmann DCC GP7 that I put on the same track and had zero problems programming from either program track or main track mode, and it runs in both directions no problem. Any ideas?!
Matt,
Did you try reversing the plug 180-degrees and re-inserting it into the decoder? Sounds like you have it in backwards.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I was very precise about lining up #1 on diagram with the PC board #1, but def worth a shot - I figured if I didn't have the slots lined up correct it would just plain not work at all, but I guess it really can just be backwards?
By the way, thanks TStage, you've helped me out a few times on various topics and I appreciate the help and not giving me too hard of a time for some of my more noobish questions.
Not a problem, Matt. We're all "nubish" at one time or another. There's ALWAYS something to learn in this hobby of ours and I'm always learning something new myself.
Chances are that you probably do have the decoder plugged in correctly. I know that some decoders you can plug in backwards and they will still run. However, usually this affects direction and the lights.
If you do have it connected correctly, you may want to contact Soundtraxx, too, to see what they recommend. Hopefully it's not a faulty decoder.
Keep us posted, Matt, on what happens and/or what you find out...
Doublechecked and I did install correctly, but flipped it anyway just to see what happens. Weird thing is it did the same thing: loco only went one direction. Only difference was the headlights wouldn't work this time. I think it's odd that it won't read CV but it will let me change short/long address. Also weirdest part is that it will only go one direction. Cleared consists just in case it was that. I'm going to email soundtraxx and see what thoughts they have.
Have you tried a decoder reset? That would be the first thing I would try to make sure there is not a CV messed up somewhere causing the problem. Since it will run in reverse but not forward, it sounds like the decoder has a bad motor drive circuit. It would also make since for this to prevent reading back from the decoder. To read from the decoder, the command station looks for an acknowledgement pulse from the decoder, which is a momentary increase in the decoder's current draw. This is usually done by pulsing the motor drive circuit. If the forward motor drive circuit is bad and the decoder pulses the motor in the forward direction, then the pulse would not increase the current draw, causing the command station to not see an acknowledgement pulse.
Thanks Robert - just used your advice. Reset decoder using procedure in manual. I know it took because I got the flashing led described in manual and address reset. Still no joy. Must be a bad motor circuit like you said. That's the only thing left. Appreciate the help!
Well, no real problem except some inconveninence, TCS will replace a damaged decoder, even if you accidently did something, for free under warranty (the first time). So give TCS a call and they'll direct you how to proceed to get a replacement.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
TCS?
Sorry, saw MC1, that's a TCS designation. Thanks again Soundtraxx. DUnno if their policy on replacements is quite as liberal, but you can try. It's hard to be at fault when it's a plug in decoder with no wiring involved.