Speed steps refers to how many different speed settings can be sent to the decoder. When you are using 128 speed steps, the clicks will be for each speed step. The numbers only go from 00 to 99. Observe and listen carefully and you will hear two clicks every third number on the display. Thats how Digitrax sends 128 steps on a 99 numbered display.
Not sure what is happening when the display goes back to AD2 after setting it to CV29. Normally that program display will show default to whatever CV number was used last when the program button is pressed. Only thing I can guess is that you are pussing the wrong button or knob after selecting the CV.
Turn left knob to CV #. Turn or press buttons for CV value to appear on right side of display. Press "ENTER" to program that value to the chosen CV. Press "EXIT" to leave programming mode.
Martin Myers
'Programming' is the term you are looking for when you say 'encoded'. Any time you want to change or are changing the CV's in a locomotive, you are 'programming' the decoder in the locomotive.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
Speed step is the number listed on the screen. track idle means there is no power to the throttle: power up the command station, hit the power button on the throttle, hit Y or + button(you mave have to do this twice) there is a small square on the top right screen that should be on, if it blinks, the power to the throttle is not on. This is explained in the beginning of the manual, it shows the icons on the throttle screen and what they mean. When addressing a 4 digit address, click the knob to show AD4 hit yes, add address using numbers on key pad, then Y to change CV29. Use left knob to bring up CV29 then right knob to bring up value, hit enter. The loco should jerk a little to let you know it received the command. Do read the manual, you don't have to read it all at once, just look in the index for what you need, learn CV programming then other procedures as you learn the basics. Joe
The "track idle" message means just that, there's no power to the track. As far as programming, are you trying to change the CV's on a program track or on the main? If you haven't read the manual, you need to.
Inspired by Addiction
See more on my YouTube Channel
Those thick manuals that Digitrak sent with the system need to be read to help understand what it needs to function. If you do not have the manuals Digitrax has the systems manuals plus others available on their website. If you save them to your computer you can use the search function in Adobe Reader to find subjects you want to review.
Lee
As a DCC "newbie", I often feel that some of my questions are stupid (but, then I remember how I used to tell my students, "The only stupid question is the one not asked"). With that said, here goes.
When the term, "speed steps" is used, does the term refer to the tiny "clicks" when the (Digitrax DT402) throttle knob is turned?
When my Digitrax DT402 throttle displays the "TRACK IDLE", message, what does this mean; and how should I respond?
Following some advice and tips received here at the MR FORUM + the telephone assistance of a "tech" person at Digitrax, I have successfully encoded(?) several (TCS)decoders, each with a 4-digit address. Okay. After repeated readings of the instructions for setting CVs, I was able to change the "normal-direction-of-travel (NDOT)" for a couple of (TCS) decoders. Recently, however, I purchased two inexpensive (cheap?) WALTHERS "DCC-equipped" Trainline GP9M locos. After encoding(?) both with the same 4-digit address, both locos are very balky/sluggish running; and neither of the lights work. Also, when I tried changing the NDOT, by following the manual's directions: Use Program key to Pd... Press ENTER... Use LEFT knob to dial in CV29... Use RIGHT knob to dial-in appropriate CV value, etc. When I press the Program button to "Pd", the display shows "Ad2 = ???. Then, when I use the L throttle knob to dial in CV29, I get a "FAIL" message.
I know this has been long-winded; thanks for your attention. But, I'm stumped; and encoding(?) DCC decoders is sometimes unpleasant... To be fair, however, successful encodings(?) and subsequent operation prove to be fun and exciting; running two trains independent of each other rivets my attention and keeps one on his feet - literally.
I've said a lot; thanks for your attention.