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Digitrax speed step jumps problem

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  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Digitrax speed step jumps problem
Posted by cudaken on Thursday, December 25, 2014 6:50 PM

 I run HO and use a Digitrax SEB, PR3 and JMRI to run the layout. 

 Problem I am having is when I run a pair of MRC Santa Fe F7's (MRC deoders have been replaced with DH 123's) and using the DT 400 throttle. When using the DT 400 when I advacnes the speed it jumps 6 steps at a time. When I use JMRI I get 1 speed step at a time? Hmm

 DH-123 Decoders are set for 128 steps so the problem should be in the DT 400. How do I clear the problem from the throttle or the DB150? There address use to show up on the DT 400 as 30 X 2. I use 30 as there address. Has not showen up that way for awhile now. Just show Loco 30 if that helps.

 Thanks for the coming answers.

          Cuda Ken

I hate Rust

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: SE Minnesota
  • 6,847 posts
Posted by jrbernier on Thursday, December 25, 2014 8:12 PM

Ken,

  The 'system' sends out 28 speed steps.  The 'decoder' is capable of 128 speed steps.  Your DT400 throttle only has 0-99 on the LCD panel.  What happens is that decoder looks at the 28 speed step info and adjusts for 128 speed steps.  When you use JMRI, it is displaying what speed step on that computerized screen you have selected.  The DT400 is caught between 28 speed steps and 128 speed steps.  I have noticed something similar as the throttle setting jumps as I dial up the encoder on my DT400's.  Maybe a sign of a bad encoder in the throttle?  Or maybe a 'rounding up' error?  The trains all run smooth so I really do not care.  I have been using my cell phone as a throttle for the past 6-8 months, and really do not break out the DT400's unless someone shows up with no throttle.

Jim

Modeling BNSF  and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Clearlake, California. USA
  • 869 posts
Posted by Lake on Thursday, December 25, 2014 8:28 PM

I seem to have this problem about once a year. I seem to always find the solution to setting the throttle back to the way it should be.

BUT!! I can not remember what it is I do to fix it as, I said it happens so seldom. I think it had something to do with a CV setting, but not sure.

Hope someone who has solved this has a better memory then mine. Will I remember to write down the solution next time? Naw!

Ken G Price   My N-Scale Layout

Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR

N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Christiana, TN
  • 2,134 posts
Posted by CSX Robert on Thursday, December 25, 2014 9:29 PM

cudaken

 ... When using the DT 400 when I advacnes the speed it jumps 6 steps at a time...

At some point you have "status edited" that decoder address to 28 speed steps (told the command station that decoder uses 28 speed steps).  To status edit it back to 128, while in the loco select mode with that address displayed, press 'edit', then turn the throttle knob to change back to 128 and press 'enter'.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Trois-Rivieres Quebec Canada
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by jalajoie on Friday, December 26, 2014 9:02 AM

A tell tell for a wrong status on a decoder is a jump of 3 steps by 3 steps. In your case it is 6 steps which make me wonder what is the problem. However status editing the decoder can't cause any harm.

I would go along with CSX Robert's suggestion.

Jack W.

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Christiana, TN
  • 2,134 posts
Posted by CSX Robert on Friday, December 26, 2014 9:22 AM

jalajoie
A tell tell for a wrong status on a decoder is a jump of 3 steps by 3 steps. In your case it is 6 steps which make me wonder what is the problem...

Oops, I did say 28 steps, but actually, when it is jumping 6 steps at a time then the decoder has been status edied to 14 speed steps.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Trois-Rivieres Quebec Canada
  • 1,063 posts
Posted by jalajoie on Friday, December 26, 2014 9:34 AM

Thanks for the precision CSX Robert.

 

Jack W.

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Maryville IL
  • 9,577 posts
Posted by cudaken on Friday, December 26, 2014 12:03 PM

 CSX Roberts, that took care of the problem! Yes Thank to all that tried to help.

 Cuda Ken

I hate Rust

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