Hello;
I just recieved a new Atlas GP7 with DCC from Brooklyn Locomotive Works and was wondering if there is a way to tell what decoder is installed so I may obtain the manual for it.
Thanks for any help
Bill
If it's N scale here's a link to Atlas' decoder application list. looks like it is an Atlas decoder made by NCE.
http://www.atlasrr.com/pdf/Atlas_N-Scale_Decoder_Applications.pdf
Martin Myers
Was is a factory installed decoder or did BLW do the installation?
You should ask BLW to identify the decoder.
If BLW installed it, chances are that it is a TCS-ASD4 which is the one that BLW recommends on its web site.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thanks guys for the quick reply. Sorry I didnt mention the scale. It is N scale and at BLW it says factory installed decoder.
On any decoder, CV8 is the manufacturer's ID number assigned by the NMRA. CV7 is the manufacturer's "version number," as defined by the manufacturer. These are both read-only and can be read by your DCC system.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Well something is wrong because a little while ago I was able to read back the CVs but now all I get i "cannot read CV". I tryed it on DC and the loco doesnt move.
Burbank Bill Well something is wrong because a little while ago I was able to read back the CVs but now all I get i "cannot read CV". I tryed it on DC and the loco doesnt move. Bill
Bill,
How are you trying to read the CVs?
Are you on the Programming Track?
Yes I am on a programming track. I dont get it it was working fine this morning, got it run back and forth on a piece of flex track,
So, it's an NCE decoder N12A2.
Here is a link to the manual:
http://www.ncedcc.com/images/stories/manuals/n12a2v35.pdf
Try to reset the decoder to factory defaults. CV30=2
If you cannot get any readings, I wonder if a wire or solder point came loose.
Hopefully, you didn't somehow fry the decoder.
I am using the Systom One DCC control, I believe this is NCE now. There may be a snafu in the system because I was not able to reset the decoder,but I have a small HO layout using the Digitrax Chief and was able to read all the CVs with it after I put it in the Nscale setting. After that I went back downstairs and first used an MRC throttle hooked up to the test track and it is back working on DC, then I tryed it on DCC and it worked fine and am able to read the CVs when hooked up in programming track mode. I am going to try to change the address and see if that works. Thanks for all the advice.
I thought Atlas N was using Lenz decoders?
They've used a cheapy Lenz, ancient that it didn;t even have automatic analog conversion, they've used Digitrax, and apparantly NCE - although this one may be an aftermarket install, not bought from Atlas with DCC.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Atlas seems to be getting their Nscale decoders from NCE now. I guess the contract ran out with Lenz.
rrinker They've used a cheapy Lenz, ancient that it didn;t even have automatic analog conversion...
They've used a cheapy Lenz, ancient that it didn;t even have automatic analog conversion...
Actually, the N-scale Lenz decoders Atlas has used DO have automatic analog conversion.
Burbank Bill Hello; I just recieved a new Atlas GP7 with DCC from Brooklyn Locomotive Works and was wondering if there is a way to tell what decoder is installed so I may obtain the manual for it. Thanks for any help Bill
As has been stated, Atlas has recently switched to NCE decoders. For a while, they were using both NCE and Lenz decoders depending on which locomotive you got because they did not have a replacement for all of the versions they used. From looking at the decoder applications chart, it does look like they may be using strictly NCE decoders now, but there still may be a good chance that you got one with a Lenz decoder if it wasn't from the most recent run. There a few things you can try to determine which decoder you have.
The first is to read CV8. If it's value is 99, then it is a Lenz decoder. If it is 11, then it is an NCE decoder. If it is 127, then it could be either one, although I would expect it to be Lenz. 127 is the value for Atlas, and I don't think Atlas actually makes the NCE decoder(Atlas did start making the Lenz decoder at some point, which is why CV8 could be 99 or 127). If you get 127, I would still perform additional tests to make sure it is not the NCE decoder.
The Lenz decoders do not have "Silent Running", which the NCE decoders do. This means that the Lenz decoders tend to cause the motor to produce an audible buzz, especially at low speeds.
The Lenz decoders do not support CV5 and CV6(Vmax and Vmin), so if you program them and they have no effect, then you have the Lenz decoder. Also, with the Lenz decoder programming CV8 to 33 will reset it, while with the NCE programming CV30 to 2 will reset it.
If you have the Lenz, use this manual: http://www.atlasrr.com/pdf/LE063XF%20Manual_Atlas.pdf and if you have NCE use this one: http://www.atlasrr.com/pdf/AN12A0.pdf.