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programming issue

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  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: IL
  • 153 posts
programming issue
Posted by zeis96 on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 4:11 PM

 I have the Zephyr and I'm trying to change the master volume level on a Tsunami. I have been able to change the different whistles. I've also recently reset the decoder. I am unable to change the volume level either in the Ops mode or on a programming track. I do not have a booster but as I've said I've been able to change the other two CV's as mentioned. This is the order I try to change CV's.. Push CV select CV enter the new value and hit CV write. The Zephyr blinks and sometimes the locomotive will lerch forward and sometimes it does not. Either way the volume level does not change. When I try to read back CV's sometimes the value I have entered shows up and sometimes it does not. Also, as I'm still new to this, should the sound work on the program track? Do I need a program booster even though some CV's can be changed?

 

Thanks

Aaron 

hi

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
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Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 4:49 PM

 If when you do CV RD you get back the value you thought you programmed, it's taking the programming. If there's no actual change to the sound level, there may be a different CV you ned to set, or perhaps you have the sound muted via a function key.

 Reading CVs only works on the program track. I've not had any problems programmign QSI and Loksound decoders with the Zephyr, but I haven't tried a Tsunami.

                               --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
    December 2004
  • From: Grand Blanc, Mi
  • 151 posts
Posted by wrumbel on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 6:53 PM

I recently bought a Reading T1 without sound.  I bought the Tsunami Heavy steam for it.  I worked with a guy from my local hobby shop to test and set the sounds.  We also had this problem.  My fiend called SoundTraxx; (970) 259-0690 about this issue.  It's the Zepher, it won't change the master volume CV 128.  If you can take it somewhere or have access to a DT400 that's the only way to reprogram that CV.  I decided to  buy the DT400 it makes it much easier to program then useing just the Zepher.  We called SoundTraxx back so they are aware of this problem.

We also called Digtrax, they suggested putting a 1k resistor accrossed the programing track.  I was going to buy a programing booster but the Dt400 solved my problem and I didn't need the booster.

Hope this helps

Wayne

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8:11 PM

 That brings to mind something I didn't like about the Tsunami..the right 'engine' sounds for a T1 are in the Heavy Steam - but none of the whistles in the Heavy Steam are approiate Reading freight whistles.

             --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
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:21 AM

Just as an aside (it may have no bearing at all on your problem), but some folks inadvertently lock their decoders so that they won't take any changes.  I haven't learned anything about this feature, and don't know if the Tsunami has it, but I have read of some folks scratching their heads wondering why one decoder won't seem to take any programming changes.  It turns out that they somehow locked their decoder.

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Elyria, OH
  • 2,586 posts
Posted by BRVRR on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 12:05 PM

Arron,

I have a Zephyr and the only decoders I have ever had any problem programming are Lenz/Atlas and the low end Bachmann decoders. I don't have a Soundtraxx Tsunami yet. To solve the problem with Lenz/Atlas decoders Digitrax recommended a 1K ohm resistor across the programing track. It solved my problem. It might fix yours too. It seems every decoder has some quirk or other, but there is usually an answer to it or a simple work around.

I do have a DT400 as well and use it often for programming on the main. Most of my programming is done with Decoder Pro on the programming track though.

If the DT400 solved your problem. No worries. Glad you got it to work.

 

Remember its your railroad

Allan

  Track to the BRVRR Website:  http://www.brvrr.com/

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: IL
  • 153 posts
Posted by zeis96 on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 4:28 PM

 Wayne,

Were you able to change any other CV's with the Zephyr other than 128?

Has anyone else used the 1K ohm resistor method with the Tsunami and Zephyr with success?

 Thanks for the replies everyone!

Aaron
 

hi

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Grand Blanc, Mi
  • 151 posts
Posted by wrumbel on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 8:57 PM

Aaron

Yes.  I had all the sound CVs set but I couldn't get CV 128 to work.  The guy at SoundTraxx said to raise all of the CVs to max then CV 128 would work.  We tried this and it worked with the DT400 but not the Zepher; with or without the 1k resistor.  The LHS has a Zepher set up to help customers with programing issues.  There's a guy that works on Thursdays and is the Digatrax expert.  If customers are having troubles and he can't answer he will call the mfgr to get the answer. 

 Hope this is getting you somewhere

Wayne 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Grand Blanc, Mi
  • 151 posts
Posted by wrumbel on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:06 PM

selecter

Yes the Tsunami does have locking CV; CV15 CV16 and CV30

Aaron

If you haven't downloaded the Tsunami manuel from SoundTraxx you should.  I printed mine out it was 73 pages.

Wayne

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 9:16 PM

Thanks, Wayne.

I have all my decoder manuals stored in "My Documents".  They are handy enough for me there. Smile

-Crandell

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