I have 2 locomotives that just REFUSE to play together nicely when MU'ed and need help understanding why.
I have an H.O. Scale Kate GP35 with a Tsunami DCC / Sound decoder installed. The other locomotive is an Atlas GP-38-2 with a Digitrax DH163A0 Non Sound DCC decoder installed. Both locomotives have been programmed using Decoder Pro. The only thing I programmed using the Decoder Pro was that I assigned each locomotive a 4 digit address.
Individually, each locomotive operates in DCC like a fine Swiss watch. The problem occurs when I try to MU the two locomotives together.
Before I describe the problem, I want to mention that I am using my club layout and we use a Digitrax super chief and I am using my Digitrax DT400R to operate and MU my locomotives.
Ok, so here is the problem. When I try to MU the two locomotives together, I first acquire each locomotive (the DT400R allows you to operate 2 locomotives at the same time). I them MU them together using the "MU" button and then the "+" button. I've done this hundreds of times with different locomotives with no issue. My problem is that once I've MU'ed these two locomotives together, the lead unit responds to the throttle inputs, but the trailing unit acts like its "dead in tow" until the throttle setting is above 60 on my throttle. Once I go above 60 on the throttle, the two locomotives operate beautifully together. Anything below 60 (0-59) and I'm dragging the rear locomotive.
I took my Atlas GP-38-2 and removed the Digitrax DH163A0 decoder and replaced it with a brand new DH163A0 decoder. Programmed it up using my Decoder Pro and then tried the MU again with my Kato GP35, only to find that I got the exact same results.
Anyone have idea what I'm doing wrong?
The two locos need to be speed matched - learn more about decoder pro.
Sheldon
I think you need to speed match the two engines. Getting CV2 set so position 1 of your DT400 throttle starts each engine moving will be your first step. You may need to adjust the speed table if that does not fix the problem.
I ha Atlas GP38's with motor only decoders and they run fine with Kato SD40-2's set up with sound decoders. I have adjusted CV2 so that each engine will 'start' at speed step 1. I have also set the max speed so that each engine will not exceed 70 scale mph ay maximum throttle. They MU and run together fine.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Try setting CV57 on the Digitrax decoder to a value of 102. That turns off BEMF when running in an advanced consist. I've had the same problem when trying to MU a locomotive with an MRC sound decoder and a Digitrax decoder.
WS
Jim,
Speed Matching the locomotives worked. They seem to be playing nicely now when MU'ed. Thanks for the help.
Mike