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Strange decoder programming behavior

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  • Member since
    July 2009
  • From: lavale, md
  • 4,678 posts
Posted by gregc on Sunday, August 19, 2018 5:57 AM

i just had a similar problem trying to install a TCS M1 decoder, which i've never used before, using the NCE PowerCab.

on the programming track, it reported the manufacture code and version but then reported "CAN NOT READ CV" for page mode, which i hadn't seen before and the same thing while trying to set the address.    The NCE manual says it may take 15 seconds to read a CV in page mode. 

i finally tried to reset the decoder, which didn't seem to work initially but later, after turning everything off, the loco responded to speed and headlight in both directions.

i was able to successfully set the "reverse direction" bit in CV 29 while programming on the main and other bits.   The loco jerks forward after changing a CV.  So i'm able to change CV values.

wasn't able to change the decoder address.

it seems that there's an issue reading CVs.

greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading

  • Member since
    May 2018
  • 68 posts
Posted by Paul Schulze on Sunday, August 19, 2018 12:37 AM

rrinker

 Does it actually read that or does it time out reading and revert to showing the loco you have selected?

 Try Direct mode and see if it works any differently. It almost sounds like it's using physical register mode.

                                --Randy

 

How long does it take to timeout?  I have not done direct mode programming before.  Is the routine the same as PAGE mode?

I'll give it a try tommorrow.

Paul

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, August 18, 2018 3:54 PM

 Does it actually read that or does it time out reading and revert to showing the loco you have selected?

 Try Direct mode and see if it works any differently. It almost sounds like it's using physical register mode.

                                --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    May 2018
  • 68 posts
Strange decoder programming behavior
Posted by Paul Schulze on Saturday, August 18, 2018 2:43 PM

I am using a Digitrax DCS50 to program a TCS CN decoder in PAGE mode.  CV5 always reads whatever I put in CV1 (Loco #).  I can try to overwrite it with another value but it still comes back with the Loco #.  Change CV1 to another value and CV5 reads that new value.

Is this a bad decoder or am I missing something?

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