Guys:
I recently bought an Athearn Genesis GP 15-1 with Tsunami sound. It is a beautiful little loco and ran well on address 3. I wanted to change the address and twaek a couple of the CVs so I put it on my program track attached to my Digitrax Zephyr. It would not change or read CVs so I placed it on my main and set up my computer, Locobuffer USB and Decoder Pro. I selected OPs mode programming in Decoder Pro, entered the long address and hit write changes on the sheet. I then tried the new address and no response, Just the prime mover idle and no response to any commands, After that I repeated the process again with no results. I decided to go back to the original address of 3 so I changed the appropriate settings in Decoder Pro and again hit write changes on the sheet. When I tried the loco again with address 3 I got no response. I said OK time for a reset. I tried setting CV8 to 8 and CV 32 to 2 on both the main and the program track directly with the Zephyr. Again no change. I am now left with an engine that sits on the track and idles and looks nice but won't do anything else. What should I try next? I've programmed several decoders with this system including two Atlas OEM QSIs with no difficulty so what is so different about Tsunami decoders? What should I try next? Your thoughts and help will be greatly appreciated.
Joe
It seems to me that the Digitrax Zephyr (I have one) can be tricky with Tsunami sound decoders. Try programing in OPS mode and change the decoder address to a short address. When you program it you may have to hit the write button several times or repeat the process over and over. When the decoder accepts the change it should lurch or jump to let you know it received the command. It took me several attempts to make changes on my Genesis/Tsunami train before it was accepted.
Mark
After you did the factory reset, did you remove the power to the locomotive.
With Tsunami's, you must remove the power to make a reset complete.
Thanks guys for the replies.
Mark: I'll try your suggestion of more tries this afternoon.
Woodone: I did remove the loco from the track after trying the reset CVs.
TA462: I've had good luck programming Atlas OEM QSI decoders with this system. I guess I was just lucky. I wonder if a programmer booster is in order?
I'll keep trying and be back with my results. After a morning of chores I'll get back at it and hope that I can make some progress.
From the opposite view, my Zephyr programmed my Tsunami-equipped Bowser FT-B just fine on the program track, with no special accomodations. My program track is a piece of flex track with a length of 18 gauge speaker wire connecting it to the Zephyr.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker From the opposite view, my Zephyr programmed my Tsunami-equipped Bowser FT-B just fine on the program track, with no special accomodations. My program track is a piece of flex track with a length of 18 gauge speaker wire connecting it to the Zephyr. --Randy
Randy:
My programming track is virtually identical to what you are using. It is an 18 inch piece of flex track mounted on a board that I connect directly to the programming ports of the Zephyr with 2 short (1 foot) pieces of 18 G wire. It has worked well in the past that's why this is so frustrating.
hi buy soundtraxx ptb 100 booster it does makes life alot easier when programming i us mine all the time when programming.
Turn on blast mode on your Zephyr. Set Ops switch 7 from "T" to "C". There is no need to purchase a programming track booster.
Jack W.
I've had some success. I was able to get back to the factory defaults by setting the address on the Zephyr to 0 then entering OPS mode and setting CV8 to 8. Using this broadcast mode was suggested by David Bedard in an earlier post about setting the long address on a Stewart loco with a Tsunami decoder. Thanks David wherever you are! Once I got the loco to respond again I tried setting CV3 and 4 in OPS mode using address 3 and that worked. However, I still haven't been able to set the address. I'm going to try David's suggested method and set the three required CVs using the hex converted numbers. More fun in the basement.
Jack and MMartian22: If I can't get the other method to work, I'll try setting Ops Sw 7 and see if that works. I hope that I won't need the PTB 100. Thanks for the suggestions.
Maybe now that you have it reset it will behave. The blast mode should help as well.
Also note that you don't have to have read back of the CV's for them to program. Sometimes there's plenty of power to program but not quite enough to get a read back.
Springfield PA
It is hard to belive that you have programmend that many locos and never seen what is call a
acknowledgement pluse. Are you programming in ops mode?
I never program in ops mode so maybe you don't see in there in ops mode.
The OPS first post shows he has the Zephyr ( DCS 50 ) which does not have OpSw7 which is "Blast Mode" incorporated in the new Zephyr-Xtra ( DCS51 ). It states in both DCS50 & DCS51 Manuals: Quote: Do not change any option switches not listed in the table below. Unquote. That table is on page 50 for the Zephyr DCS50 and page 55 for the Zephyr-Xtra. The OpSw7 is NOT listed in the older Zephyr manual.
Don't believe me? Ask Digitrax.
I have both the Zephyr and the Zephyr-Xtra and the so called "Blast Mode" is as phony as a three dollar bill, at least in my unit. I even sent the Zephyr-Xtra back to Digitrax, they sent it back with no explanation. I had to call them and they explained when programing the address of any Tsunami decoder to use the OpSw7 and set to C. That was a malfunction on my Zephyr-Xtra and did not work. So I said the He!! with it and put the Zephyr-Xtra back in the box.
I'm supposed to send it back again and maybe ( yes just maybe ) they will replace the DCS51.
My older Zephyr ( DCS50 ) about five years old with the aid of "PowerPax" on the program track writes and reads the six QSI sound, one BLI BlueLine sound and my three Tsunami sound decoders with no hiccups at all. The display on the Zephyr will blink 2 to 4 times then display the reading. Note: Some people use a one thousand ohm 1/4 or 1/2 watt resistor across the program track rails tricking the Zephyr into giving a little more juice to program the tsunami and other sound decoders. Personally I've just used the "PowerPax" and it does work just fine.
A Digitrax Tech told me definitely do not program any decoder ( sound or non-sound ) to their address on the main using OPS mode and that includes using 00. Only use the program track for address.
Tech also told me to use OpSw7 and click on "C" and that would give the Zephyr-Xtra the extra power to program a Tsunami, BUT only on the program track and he did emphasize never the main line for address mode programing.
Contrary to what the Digitrax Technician told me I have seen a few times on this forum ( not just this thread ) to use OPS mode then use 00 to set your decoders address, BAD mistake but go ahead if you want for it's your controller and decoder.
I know that I have typed a couple things here more than once but some of you skip read a post and do not get the point ( yes I've done the same thing ).
Also just because I may have a bad Zephyr-Xtra does not mean they are all bad but I am seriously thinking of trashing mine, not worth another $12.00 UPS for maybe a replacement Zephyr-Xtra.
Hope that I have not hurt anyone's feelings as I was just trying to get a point across that I feel has been abused lately.
OK I'm off my
Wadda ya mean I'm old ? Just because I remember gasoline at 9 cents a gallon and those big coal burning steamers.
woodone It is hard to belive that you have programmend that many locos and never seen what is call a acknowledgement pluse. Are you programming in ops mode? I never program in ops mode so maybe you don't see in there in ops mode.
I sometimes see them in OPS mode as well, but only on some types of decoders.
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Woodone:
I have seen the acknolwledgement pulse on both the program track and on the main. And when using Decoder Pro I also see the changes go from orange to red to white but the address problem remained. So far, I have been able to get back to factory defaults and set several CVs using OPS mode but when I try to set the address I always get a non-responsive loco. The only way to recover is to use address 0 and OPS mode to do a CV 8 reset. I'm going to try David Bedard's method for the long address this afternoon.
The acknowledement pulse is a result of the decoder referencing the motor when programming. You should usually see it on both ops and program track mode.
rockislandnut The OPS first post shows he has the Zephyr ( DCS 50 ) which does not have OpSw7 which is "Blast Mode" incorporated in the new Zephyr-Xtra ( DCS51 ). It states in both DCS50 & DCS51 Manuals: Quote: Do not change any option switches not listed in the table below. Unquote. That table is on page 50 for the Zephyr DCS50 and page 55 for the Zephyr-Xtra. The OpSw7 is NOT listed in the older Zephyr manual. Don't believe me? Ask Digitrax. Snipe....... OK I'm off my
Don't believe me? Ask Digitrax. Snipe.......
You are expressing your point loud and clear, however my own opinion is to the contrary.
I use DCC almost daily since 1999 with both NCE and Digitrax systems, I also own a Digitrax Zephyr since 2001, I have programmed over 150 DCC decoders of any kind, including Bachman EOM.
In all those years I programmed address on the Programming Track and on the Main without any problem to the DCC systems or the locos and without creating havoc to any other locos on the layout. My Zephyr in blast mode don't need a power booster, in fact I do have a Power Pax but I don't even know where it is in my house.
I wonder how someone can program a long address on an MTH loco without using POM, their locos will not program on a programming track.
First generation Zephyr definitely have blast mode, it is not documented that is all.
Jack is correct. The DCS50 does have Blast mode (OpSw7).
This is an undocumented feature that people have been using for a long time. Now Digitrax is using it as a selling feature for the DCS51.
Peter
TA462 I don't program in OPS mode. I have a dedicated programming track. I see the lights flash and hear the decoder clicking when I program but I've never seen a loco jump or surge.
I don't program in OPS mode. I have a dedicated programming track. I see the lights flash and hear the decoder clicking when I program but I've never seen a loco jump or surge.
That is actually the motor you hear, and what sometimes make the loco move during programming.
Try to read all CV´s on a ESU loksound without the loco moving at least an inch.......
ALL decoders need the motor to be able to receive programming, that is why the decoder test benches (ESU and others) have a motor on it to make it work.
BTW, the OP stated he had trouble setting an adress, and that is impossible to do in POM (OPS) mode. You have to do it in "Direct-mode" if i recall correctly.
I have never managed to program the adress on a Tsunami on the program-track. I do it with my computer interface, and then it works.....
jalajoie rockislandnut: The OPS first post shows he has the Zephyr ( DCS 50 ) which does not have OpSw7 which is "Blast Mode" incorporated in the new Zephyr-Xtra ( DCS51 ). It states in both DCS50 & DCS51 Manuals: Quote: Do not change any option switches not listed in the table below. Unquote. That table is on page 50 for the Zephyr DCS50 and page 55 for the Zephyr-Xtra. The OpSw7 is NOT listed in the older Zephyr manual. Don't believe me? Ask Digitrax. Snipe....... OK I'm off my You are expressing your point loud and clear, however my own opinion is to the contrary. I use DCC almost daily since 1999 with both NCE and Digitrax systems, I also own a Digitrax Zephyr since 2001, I have programmed over 150 DCC decoders of any kind, including Bachman EOM. In all those years I programmed address on the Programming Track and on the Main without any problem to the DCC systems or the locos and without creating havoc to any other locos on the layout. My Zephyr in blast mode don't need a power booster, in fact I do have a Power Pax but I don't even know where it is in my house. I wonder how someone can program a long address on an MTH loco without using POM, their locos will not program on a programming track. First generation Zephyr definitely have blast mode, it is not documented that is all.
rockislandnut: The OPS first post shows he has the Zephyr ( DCS 50 ) which does not have OpSw7 which is "Blast Mode" incorporated in the new Zephyr-Xtra ( DCS51 ). It states in both DCS50 & DCS51 Manuals: Quote: Do not change any option switches not listed in the table below. Unquote. That table is on page 50 for the Zephyr DCS50 and page 55 for the Zephyr-Xtra. The OpSw7 is NOT listed in the older Zephyr manual. Don't believe me? Ask Digitrax. Snipe....... OK I'm off my
Jack:
Can you clear something up for me concerning Blast Mode programming? Do you use the program track or is it POM? In case I need to resort to this method I want to do it properly.
JoeinPA Jack: Can you clear something up for me concerning Blast Mode programming? Do you use the program track or is it POM? In case I need to resort to this method I want to do it properly. Joe
Blast mode programming is for use on the programming track. It essentially puts full power on the track.
CNR378 JoeinPA: Jack: Can you clear something up for me concerning Blast Mode programming? Do you use the program track or is it POM? In case I need to resort to this method I want to do it properly. Joe Joe Blast mode programming is for use on the programming track. It essentially puts full power on the track. Peter
JoeinPA: Jack: Can you clear something up for me concerning Blast Mode programming? Do you use the program track or is it POM? In case I need to resort to this method I want to do it properly. Joe
Exactly, blast is only for the programming track.
Peter and Jack:
Thanks for clarifying the blast mode issue for me. This has been an interesting learning episode for me. I am happy to report that I have solved my address problem. Since the loco would only recognize address 3 I used that and entered OPS mode. I set CVs 17 and 18 individually to their appropriate hex converted decimal values and then CV 29 to a value of 34. After exiting program mode I called up the 4 digit address and the loco responded normally giving me control over all commands. I am now the owner of a very nicely performing loco. This has been an interesting learning experience for me and I really appreciate all the help that the forum members have given me. As an aside I found the following on how to program a sound decoder with a Zephyr. It involves Tower 55 locos with sound decoders (Brand?) it turns out to be the process I followed. It is found on the Digitrax site. http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/tower55/T55%20Tech%20Bulletin%202.1.pdf
Thanks again everybody and now I'm going to go and play with trains.
I hope you read this before you tried Blast Mode - Blast Mode puts the program output signal on BOTH the main track outputs and the program track outputs, so DO NOT have any locos on the main, or better yet disconnect the wires going to the main track before using blast mode.
I still can;t figure out why I was able to program my Tsunami on my Zephyr's program track using normal programming methods, no blast mode, no booster. It just simply worked, although I was using my DT400 not the Zephyr console. Short, fairly heavy wires to the program track, and a clean piece of track..
Something to beware of though. The idea of using a program track after a decoder install is that if something is wired wrong you find out without damaging the decoder. With full track power I could see the possibility of the decoder getting damaged. For new installs I'd suggest turning blast mode off and only use it for loco's that have been run on normal track power at least once.
Always a good idea. Blast mode defeats one purpose of the program track, which is keeping the current low. Normal program track operation (except on a DB150) is current limited enough not to damage a decoder that is impropely installed. But a decoder with a track to motor lead short, which would pretty much instantly destroy it on the main, won;t program. So you can find and fix the problem when the current is low enough not to permentnatly fry it.
Randy et al:
Thanks for the reminder about using the blast mode. I was aware of the reason for the amps limited program track and would never use POM or the higher power of blast mode until I was absolutely sure that the decoder was installed correctly and then I would check it one more time. My experience to date has been much like Randy's - no problem programming TCS, Digitrax and QSI decoders the standard way. That is why I was so frustrated with the Tsunami. Since I found a solution to the problem without having to resort to blast mode I think that I will leave it for the very last resort for a troublesome Tsunami. By the way, I had a fun afternoon with the newly programmed engine and was impressed by the sound. However, I think that I like my Atlas QSIs more.
In my limited experience I've noticed that different loco decoder combinations behave differently when programming on my Zephyr. Some don't move and others do. I've never observed the lights flashing.
I only noticed my Soundtrax Tsunami decoder equipted loco lurched when it acknowledged a program change on my Zephyr. My Digitrax decoders do not lurch at all when programed. I also saw the same lurch acknowledgement on a Utube Atlas Tsunami install video. I did not think it would happen and when I programed mine and it did in fact lurch I thought I had messed something up until I remembered the Utube video which showed the same effect.
May be something about the Soundrax Tsunami sound decoders which does not show up on other decoders.
On the chance that I will be blasted ( pun intended ) again I have read back the CV's on my Blueline F7A ( sound ) with a NCE-D14SR mobile decoder using the older Zephyr ( DCS-50 ) and "PowerPax". Upon pressing the CV-RD button the headlights, cablight and number board lights flash once. They do this for each CV read.
My Mantua 4-6-2 Pacific with MRC sound/mobile decoder # 1823 ( horible decoder ) will jerk forward ( maybe a quarter of a driving wheel ) and flash the head light when programing CV-1 on the program track again using the "PowerPax" as it will not program nor read without using "PowerPax", and I did not know of OpSw7 at the time on the DCS-50.
DCS-50 will read back CV-1 ( I dial in "AD4" instead of CV-1 ) But with no jerking.
That's all that I have that will behave like this on the program track.
I do like QSI decoders that tell you what the CV is programed to upon OPS mode programing.
My Tsunami loco runs about halfway down my test track if I do read all sheets in JMRI - that's using a PR3. I never changed more than the address on the Zephyr program track and I don;t think it moved, or if it tried to it was held back by the A unit which has a TCS decoder in it.