I just purchased the new Digitrax Zephyr Express (DCS52), and it seems it will not work with my old Digitrax DN142K decoder that is installed in an old Kato 106-2101 CB&Q Diesel LocomotiveThe Digitrax DN142K decoder and Kato 106-2101 worked fine back in 2001-2005 with my Digitrax Chief II (not sure if it was 5 or 8 amp). Its been close to 16 years since I last used them. I thought it more economical and common sense to buy the new DCS52, since the old Chief II starter set was having issues with the track status light red or orange never green and also a flashing throttle screen.; but was not sure if that digitrax old decoder was compatible with the newer DCS52.With this new Digitrax Zephyr Express (DCS52), I do get a green track status light, but one of the Kato Engines gives the "singing/buzzing sound", Both of them have dual headlights that are working, just cant get the engines to move.
I assigned AD2 address to both and nada. After I assign the addresses, I can read them for each loco.
But they just sit there with lights on not moving.
Any help will be appreciated. I contacted Digitrax thru their ticket system but have not heard back.
If you haven't used them in 16 years, I'd guess the gears are seized with solidified grease.
Are you sure you are entering an address other than 00 on the DCS52?
See step 5:
https://www.digitrax.com/media/apps/products/starter-sets/dcs52/documents/Zephyr_Express_Quickstart_01.pdf
That would be the "Zero-stretching" used to run non-decoder DC locos.
https://www.digitrax.com/media/apps/products/mobile-decoders/dn142/documents/dn142.pdf
The old DN142, I believe, is not a dual-mode decoder. Try a decoder reset then carefully select address 03 after the reset. Are you sure it IS a DCC engine?
Digitrax may suggest updating the firmware on the DCS52. If you are not familiar with doing this you should read through the process carefully before attempting it.
If all your locos are DCC you should disable "Zero Stretching" on your command station.
Good Luck, Ed
chipset35...I thought it more economical and common sense to buy the new DCS52, since the old Chief II starter set was having issues with the track status light red or orange never green...
chipset35...With this new Digitrax Zephyr Express (DCS52), I do get a green track status light...
With Digitrax systems you generally should not get a green track status light. From the Chief II manual: "The “TRACK STATUS” “ indicator shows that there is voltage on RAIL A & RAIL B terminals. The color indicates the type of signal. If it is orange the track is getting DCC signals with no analog zero stretching. If the color is green or red then a “stretched zero” signal is being used to operate a conventional locomotive." The track status light operates the same on the Zephyr.
On your Zephyr, select loco addresss "0" and turn the throttle all the way up. Switch the direction knob from forward to brake, then reverse. As you do this the track status light should change from green to orange to red. If it stays green, it sounds like there is a problem with your Zephyr.
chipset35Both of them have dual headlights that are working, just cant get the engines to move.
Are you sure they are not in an advanced consist (make sure CV19 is 0)? If they are in an advanced consist, the functions will respond to the regular locomotive address but motor commands will only respond to the consists address.
Correct, these are all Digitrax equipped locos.
But, this is the newer Zepyhr Express with the LCD panel its an all in one, and the manual just says the track status light will be green or blank, nothing else.
I will go ahead and try your recommendatons.
I will get back and let u know how it goes.
Thanks again!
chipset35But, this is the newer Zepyhr Express with the LCD panel its an all in one, and the manual just says the track status light will be green or blank, nothing else.
Interesting, I checked the manual for the Zephyr Express, and sure enough, it makes no mention of any color other than green for the track status. Maybe they changed it, but it seems odd that they would. Every previous Digitrax command station has used the red/green/orange track status light, including the two previous generations of the Zephyr.
Anyway, not having green on your Chief II still was not indicative of a problem.
I had some programing issues after purchasing a new DCS52 and contacted the company and they suggested that I update to the newest firmware. After the update, it works fine. As far as the track indicator light, the only color is green. I did have some problem with as TSU sound decoder, but finally got it worked out.
.........Paul
Here is an update, I do not think the 2 CB&Q Diesels have DCC decoders in them.
This is based on the sound they make, and the fact that I received the "No Ack" error message, and also the decoders do not look like DCC decoders. What might of happened, since I have not used these since 2005, is that I upgraded or bought my freight engines with DCC, but not these 2.
I am going to see if those other old engines work, if they do then it just might be these 2 dont have DCC.
I will also, set their address to 00 which is the address for DC non DCC engines to run on a DCC layout and see what happens.
Your first message said that you could read the addresses which would mean they have decoders. Could you turn the lights on and off?
Do you have a picture of them open? With them open, can you manually turn the drive train?
I cannot turn any of my locomotives drive trains including the DCC ones that work fine.
Here is one of the 2 engines below:
chipset35 I cannot turn any of my locomotives drive trains including the DCC ones that work fine. Here is one of the 2 engines below:
Yeah, that's definitely not a decoder.
whew! mystery solved, I thought I was losing my mind.
Digitrax has a sriers of motor only decoders for Kato engines. Joe