I don't know why I seem to get all the ODD problems with decoders but here goes: I installed a used LOK sound decoder in my Rivarossi (newer can motor version) a few months ago and it ran and sounded great. Last week I went to bring it out of the siding it was stored on (hasn't run in about 3-4 weeks) and it moved a few inches and stopped. I assumed it was just dirt on track and gave it a push but still nothing. I can't get it to respond to any DCC commands, even tried F6 and F9 to see if it was in locked mode (not even sure this decoder works that way but gave it a try anyhow). I finally took the tender shell off and looked for loose or broken wires. Didn't find any and then looked for loose/broken wires on the 8 pin plug I put in back of loco cab. Still nothing. Finally out of despiration I put the 8 pin plug in 180 degrees from normal and the engine started to blow it's whistle in continuous short blast, the back up light came on and there was a faint sound of the steam chuff, but it still wouldn't respond to any commands from the throttle. I tried shutting power down and restarting but nothing worked. I then removed the 8 pin plug and put it in the correct/original way and there was no response again. I tried reversing the plug again and I got the same steady sounds, back up light on and no response from the throttle? I know there has to be a simple fix here since the decoder does produce sounds with the plug in backwards, but I am at a loss now. Any suggestions?
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Hi Bob:
You don't mention having done a reset on the decoder. If you haven't I would start there. Also, maybe try address '3' just in case the decoder has lost the programmed address. Don't forget to cycle the power off and on after doing the reset.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Dave,
When you suggested trying address 03, it reminded me that last week I was starting a new DCC engine and used 03 but the Berkshire (on the other side of the layout) started to move. Don't know why I didn't remember that when going through my frustrations with it this week. You were right, it had lost its programmed address and now responds to 03. I will reprogram it today and move on. Thanks again,
- Bob
Bob, from what you describe, you reset or re-addressed all the locos getting power, maybe from using programming mode and not ops. I don't know why else a second loco you had not wanted to reset ended up also reset...which is I'm sure exactly what you did...unless you inadvertently did the work using a method used for wide broadcast to all decoders. I occasionally make that goof when I haven't been in the train room in a while and forget to ensure my DT400 throttle display does indicate I am in ops mode versus Page Mode. When I make a change in Paged Mode, all the locos do their double scoots and I know I am going to have to reverse the changes in all of them.
selector Bob, from what you describe, you reset or re-addressed all the locos getting power, maybe from using programming mode and not ops. I don't know why else a second loco you had not wanted to reset ended up also reset...which is I'm sure exactly what you did...unless you inadvertently did the work using a method used for wide broadcast to all decoders. I occasionally make that goof when I haven't been in the train room in a while and forget to ensure my DT400 throttle display does indicate I am in ops mode versus Page Mode. When I make a change in Paged Mode, all the locos do their double scoots and I know I am going to have to reverse the changes in all of them.
Well, I wasn't programming anything, just trying to run the loco. I only program on my programming track using DecoderPro. This is what was so confusing to me, the loco had been running fine for months and then when I plugged in the address (779) it didn't respond. When I was testing a new engine I assumed it was factory set at 03 but the seller had reset it to the cab number (4016), and that is when the Berkshire (No 779) began to move?? Something caused the decoder to reset back to 03?
You are most welcome.
I once took what turned out to be a perfectly functional decoder out of one of my critters because it stopped running. I did a lot of damage to the cab windows and shell, mostly because I had used too much glue to hold the wires in place, to the point that I will have to use a second shell to repair the locomotive. Every time I think of getting around to repairing it I get T'd off again about my stupidity (I'm not calling you stupid - just me. Yours was an honest mistake!) All because of address '3'.