All,
I had this same issue last year and I can't figure it out.
I just installed a Tsunami in a Roundhouse 2-8-0. Initial programming went fine. I have a Macbook running JMRI with a PR3 setup as an interface through a Zephyr. The decoder accepted all programming using Ops mode in JMRI except the address change. I went down this morning to attempt to change it and now the decoder will not accept any changes. The loco will run and do everything on address 3 but will not budge for programming. Now I know there is an issue with changing the 4 digit address and then going back to change the 2 digit. I tried that no luck, the decoder will not program.
I guess my bigger issue is why can I program the decoder fully (except address) then come down a few days later and it will not respond at all. The connections and set up have not changed. When this happened last year with my Tsunami installed Shay I had to reset the decoder and start new. This should not be normal.
I have disconnected and reconnected all component numerous times, restarted the computer, essentially rebooted and reconnected the whole thing a number of times and the decoder will not respond.
There are no errors on the computer and the "ERR" light on the PR3 is not on. The USB light flashes as it should so does the STAT light. Everything looks as if it the programming changes have worked but I know they have not immediately because the loco has not pulsed, and when testing the changes they have not been accepted.
Any help is really appreciated.
Thanks! Birdog
Try resetting CV 29 as a separate step to tell the decoder that you want to use a long address. You may be missing one of the programming steps in Decoder Pro that resets CV 29.
The usual value for CV 29 is 34 for a long address, 28/128 speed steps, normal forward direction.
Tsunamis are still stuck with an inrush current problem and usually need a booster or Ops Mode programming. What seems to work with a PR3 is to use a higher voltage power supply, look for somethign with an 18 volt 1 amp rating, the PR3 can handle up to 20 volts so this should be safe. Just recently someone else did the same thing and it worked for programmign Tsunamis. SHould still be on the first or second page of this section.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I appreciate the responses fellas.
I am not using the PR3 standalone. I have it hooked up through the Zephyr, with the Zephyr (15V, 3A) powering the track. Would I still need the higher volt power supply with this configuration?
Why would the decoder essentially program fine initially and now it won't budge. That in itself seems wrong
You ran it and the wheels are not dirty?
The power supply won;t help when using it in MS100 mode just controlling the Zephyr. That will only matter if using the PR3 in standalone mode.
If it programmed before, it shoudl still program - make sure the wheels are absolutely clean. as well as the track. You weren't inadvertantly using Blast Mode on the Zephyr before, were you? Blast Mode will work, but you need to make sure there are NO other trains on the track, or disconnect the main track wires, since it sends full power programming to botht he program track outputs AND the main track output..
OK so here is what worked.
The PR3 is set up as a computer interface, not standalone.
I had to set a 4 digit address in the loco directly from the Zephyr using a 4 digit calculator (CV17&18) and then resetting CV 29 (I used 34) using a look-up table to accept a 4 digit address. I then reset the address to a 2-digit from Zephyr using the Zephyr manual instructions. I then reset CV 29 to accept the 2 digit address.
Returning to Decoder Pro I was able to program the decoder selecting Operations Mode from the start up dialog then instead of using “Comprehensive” programming I had to select “Advanced”. This was the only way the decoder would accept programming.
I am still curious as to why this is the case. I solved my programming dilemma but don’t exactly know why I had to go about it this way. I had to do the exact same thing last year with a frozen TSU-750 in my Shay.
If anyone knows the answer I love to hear it.
Cacole and Randy I appreciate the help and thanks for taking the time to reply.
Birdog