I have an Intermountain F-7 with a LokSound decoder, and a strange problem. It is new and still runs on address 3. I have not programmed any CVs. The problem is that when I blow the horn, the number board lights flash. This happens in either direction, with the head light on or off. I haven't programmed it yet or opened it up. Can anyone shed any light on this problem? Thanks
I wonder if, somehow, the decoder was inadvertantly programmed using a profile for a newer locomotive with ditch lights? All it would take is someone selecting the wrong CV defaults when the decoder is first loaded with the OEM program.
If you had a Lokprogrammer you could read the CVs for function 3 & 4 to see if they are set up to flash. Since the numberboards on the F7 are only using one phase of the flashing circuit they would blink as you describe.
I would simply reset the decoder before making your address change and other CV settings.
This page shows that the F unit number boards are wired to the rear headlight function. Somehow that light output got set to flashing and the function map set it to be "on" when the horn is activated.
https://www.intermountain-railway.com/customerservice/dccwebpage/IRC-F-Unit-Lighting-Info.pdf
My Intermountain numberboards turn on and off with F5. Have you tried to toggle F5 and see what happens?
Good Luck, Ed
I agree with Ed. I think the numberboard lights are programmed for ditchlighting. I would reset the decoder (CV8=8) to see if that fixes the issue. And make sure you cycle power (i.e. interrupt or turn it off/on) to complete the reset.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I've had weird things happen with decoders, but never have I seen accidental ditch lights. I would try a reset, but if the wrong program was loaded into the decoder, it's not going to work.
You can download the loksound manual from the Intermountain site. I believe you will have to change the rear headlight CV's and there is more than one.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Again, when a decoder is flaky I do a reset.. CV8, enter 8, cycle track power. Headlight should flash sixteen times and loco run on address 3.
If that does not solve it, then to the forums.
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.
BigDaddybut if the wrong program was loaded into the decoder, it's not going to work.
I don't necessarily mean "the wrong program" as in the different sound projects from ESU. I'm refering to the "default" CVs which should not include ditch lights for a F7. A reset should clear these.
The OP says the locomotive is "new" but I've had supposedly new locomotives that "someone" has been messing with CVs so it may have been on a programming track somewhere or possibly returned and resold as new.
Cheers, Ed
gmpullmanThe OP says the locomotive is "new" but I've had supposedly new locomotives that "someone" has been messing with CVs so it may have been on a programming track somewhere or possibly returned and resold as new.
I think that would annoy me more.
Try switching the DC- CV to off. I think I read on the NCE forum that might be a solution. I stand to be corrected.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
BigDaddyI think that would annoy me more.
While visiting one of our local B&M hobby shops, the proprietor was demonstrating DCC features to one of the fellows accompanying me. He took a brand new Walthers Proto SD70 and proceeded to make several changes to sound and lighting functions. "See how easy it is to customize things".
We browsed for a while longer while I casually observed the shop keeper place the locomotive back in the box and return it to the shelf.
Of course, through mail order/on-line auctions it's anybody's guess whos mitts may have been messing with the CV pie.
Regards, Ed
In the event that the reset doesn't take care of it, lighting can be found on pgs 29-32 of the Loksound Select Diesel & Steam Users manual.
OK, I need to update the number board problem. The number boards do not exactly flash when the horn button is pressed. When I press the horn button, the number boards remain lit as long as I hold the horn button down. When I release the horn button, the number board lights go out. They seem to be mapped to the horn button, which is F2 on my Zephyr. Also, Function 5 has no effect on the number board lights.