All plugs functional, hooked up voltmeter to track and read a/c voltage....getting 14.8V. Hit esc key 4 times to get to program track and selected "1"......system then read: "main off - can not read cv." I tried this on the Atlas DC ready loco....any ideas? I did make sure to check the loco selected at "3, same as decoder." Thanks
Steve.
Your volt meter should read about 13.5 volts or more if there is track power. Putting a 18 volt bulb across the rails will also tell. If there is power then do this. When the red LED is lit on the panel that means power is being sent out of the power cab.
Using the short piece of track with the power cab hooked up to it. Put the loco with the decoder on the track and press the prog/esc key 4 times and hit enter and see if it detects a decoder.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Did you select a locomotive on the Power Cab (maybe someone has programed the decoder to operate on a cab number) {number on the side of the locomtive}.
HAZMAT9 Is there a way I can check voltages?
Is there a way I can check voltages?
Yes. Disconnect the two wires that you have going from the plug on the back of the PCP to the track from the track. Then make sure that you have these same two wires connected properly to the plug that connects them to the PCP. Then make sure that you have the plug plugged in properly to the PCP.
Then set your electrical meter to one of the AC voltage scales that will allow you to read up to 20 volts AC. Connect the meter leads to the two wires that you just disconnected and see what voltage you have.
I did make sure the wires were placed correctly and using the flat wire on left side....I am getting a red "go" light, but still no train movement.
Steve,
Make sure your flat cord that plugs into your powercab is plugged into the left side of the panel. The coiled cord won't work with the Powercab either. This is an easy mistake to make. It's easy to get it upside down when its not mounted. The Powercab will fire up if its plugged into the right side but the panels red led will not light. If it is lit your OK to go.
I think the battery compartment has something to do with the wireless version.
SB
Well I tried testing out my new NCE starter system and nothing is happening. I tried both my Atlas DCC ready Trainmaster with a DH123P decoder and I tried my bluebox Athearn GP-60 with a DH123AT decoder and both don't go. The DCC fires up and I tried selecting Loco 3 (not 03) and still nothing in both directions and no lighting. I went ahead and tried a 3 ft piece of test track and still nothing. My main table has all the feeders...etc....and has been running fine with straight DC so the wiring doesn't seem to be the problem. I re-checked the decoders which seem to be fine...the Atlas you would have thought would run with a plug and go decoder. Any ideas..? Is there a way I can check voltages? DC I know, DCC I'm still learning. The NCE troubleshooting section doesn't say much and NCE Customer Service isn't in until Weds. for holidays. The back of the Powercab controller interestingly enough has a compartment for double "A" batteries yet no connectors and the book doesn't mention anything about this. Thanks Steve