I recently recieved a new Athearn Genesis NS Sd70ACe from the most recent run, equipped with a tsunami decoder. I have been attempting to program it using JMRI software, but I keep recieving error 308, unable to read decoder. I have the computer hooked up to a programming track through a PR3 and DCS51. I even tried to read a few CVs using the DCS51, but still got a not readable error. I opened the shell to look for any loose or unconnected wires, and saw none.
It is strange to me that I was actually able to program a new address, I just can't read any CVs off the decoder. Could this be because it is a new decoder that the JMRI firmware can't read?
Any help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
DO you have a power supply for the PR3? If so, hook it up and configure JMRI to use the PR3 as a standalone programmer. Tsunami decoders can be hard to read without a program track booster, but I can read them fine with a PR3.
DOn't worry about the part in the Digitrax instructiosn that talk about holding buttons on the PR3 to set the mode and the various flashing lights - JMRI will set the mode correctly when you configure the PR3 as your programming device. Disconnect your program track fromt he DCS51 and connect it to the track connections on teh PR3, and plug in a power supply, mine works fine with the PS14 but you cna go up to 18V. The Loconet cable between the PR3 and yoir DCS51 can be disconnected or not, it won;t matter.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Does the engine run? If not, one of your motor leads may be disconnected.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Randy's advice is spot-on.
I use my PR3 as a stand-alone programmer with an 18 VDC regulated power supply, and it reliably reads and writes to Soundtraxx (both the older LC and the newer Tsunami), ESU, QSI, and of course Digitrax sound decoders.
Just make sure (as Randy also mentioned) that your JMRI preferences are set correctly for PR3 stand-alone programming. JMRI will then set the PR3's mode accordingly.
With this setup, I haven't used my DCS100's programming track any more at all.
Also, to answer your last question: JMRI isn't firmware, it's software. But having said that, if a definition hasn't been written for a particular decoder, JMRI will still be able to read the manufacturer and revision, and update the basic NMRA CV's using the single CV programmer (assuming, of course, that your settings are correct and your hardware is capable of reading said decoder).
It'w when you get into the setting indexed CV's and complex sequences (TCS WOW, anyone?) where you really need the JMRI definitions to get things right.
That's great! Thanks for letting us know that you got it resolved.