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reviving a decoder

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  • Member since
    November 2014
  • 3 posts
reviving a decoder
Posted by MAD GOAT on Thursday, March 28, 2019 2:09 PM

 

I have a P2K GP-20 with a Quantum decoder. The lights do not work and while trying to get them to turn on with my NCE Procab I managed to mute the loco and I cannot figure out how to get it to work again. Any help would be appreciated.

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Posted by betamax on Thursday, March 28, 2019 4:20 PM

Your best option would be to attempt a reset.

Being a QSI decoder, the process can be a little complicated.  You may need a programming track booster as well (read the NCE manual to determine if you need one).

Does this one have a reed switch with a magnet to trigger it? Or a switch inside?

See https://dccwiki.com/Decoder_reset#Resetting_a_Decoder for the options available with respect to a QSI decoder.

 

 

  • Member since
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  • From: Shenandoah Valley
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Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, March 28, 2019 5:33 PM

Threads about problems with QSI decoders are as common as DC vs DCC, ...no Digitrax vs NCE threads.  Here is a very recent one

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/p/275071/3136591.aspx#3136591

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

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Posted by tstage on Thursday, March 28, 2019 5:52 PM

MG,

Try double-pressing (in quick succession) F6 and do this 3x; waiting ~3 seconds between double-presses.  That will "wake up" your QSI decoder in the event that you somehow put it in sleep mode (F9).

If that doesn't work then I would perform a decoder reset back to factory settings.  It's a 3-step process where you change CVs 49, 50, and 56.  The earlier link will give you the correct values to enter for those CVs.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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  • From: Western, MA
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Posted by richg1998 on Thursday, March 28, 2019 9:09 PM

Some years ago I had to reset a loco with a QSI decoder using the magnet and NCE Pro Cab on the main.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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  • From: Bradford, Ontario
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Posted by hon30critter on Thursday, March 28, 2019 9:20 PM

I've been messed up by having the QSI decoders in sleep mode in the past. I'd try the double F6 clicks as Tom suggested before doing a reset.

To the experts, IIRC doesn't it take a long time for the QSI decoders to accept the CV changes? Also, don't you have to shut the power off for a few seconds (or just tilt the loco so the wheels lift off one of the rails)? Are these the decoders that speak the decoder changes back to you?

Dave

I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!

  • Member since
    November 2014
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Posted by MAD GOAT on Thursday, March 28, 2019 9:27 PM
double-pressing F6 3 times woke up my engine and aiso the lights! Thanks so much....I was at my wits end trying.
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Posted by tstage on Friday, March 29, 2019 11:08 AM

MG,

Cash or money-order...either one is good for me. Smile, Wink & Grin  Glad that fixed your issue. Yes

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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