TRK=IDEL message

[Capt. Brigg]

I posted this question on the Digitrax, Yahoo site several days ago and have not had any responses, so I'll try posting it here with the hope someone can give me some insight.

I'm still in the process of laying track on my Pacific Cascade Ry, but I test my wiring regularly by hooking up my DT402D and running an engine on the new track. Recently, when I power up the throttle I get a blinking "TRK=IDEL" message. I follow the directions by pressing the PWR (power) button then the Y/+ button then the power button again, but this usually does not change the screen and the engine does not power up. Sometimes the message stops blinking but still no engine power. Sometimes after repeated button pushing the engine comes on and runs. I do have the correct decoder address keyed into the throttle.

Nowhere in my manual does it talk about a "TRK+IDEL" message or what to do about it. The engine has sound and lights so I can tell when it receives a power up signal. The DB150 command Station indicates track power and I can short out the track which my PM42 catches, so I have track power. Also when I connect my DCS50 Zephyr into the PM42 everything works perfect so the wiring and "quad power manager" are all working correctly. Then this morning when I powered up the throttle it came on in IR mode all by itself. I'm now wondering if the operating system in the DT402D has a bug, it is everal years old. Any suggestions or ideas?

Lastly, one of the plastic horns on the battery cover of the DT402D has busted off from repeated opening and closing the battery compartment. I tried gluing the horn back on with CA which held for a few times, but it has come off again. Can I get a replacement and is there a better way to shut down the throttle than constantly pulling the battery and opening and closing the plastic door? Thanks for any suggestions.
Capt. Brigg

[MisterBeasley]

As usual, Google is your friend.  Also, as usual, you need to spell things correctly.

TRK=IDLE:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Digitrax/message/147715

Since I don't use Digitrax, I typed in TRK=IDEL and got stuff about how to get your truck to idle correctly.  But, there was information for diesels only, no steamers.

[paxton58]

I usually just press the y button until the track idle message goes away.  I also leave the cover off of the battery compartment.

[rrinker]

 There is a firmware update for the DT402 that fixes this, if it's not from some actual cause.

The key when powering on is to look at the track status dot int he upper right of the display. If it's blinking - power is NOT on. It should be steady, not blinking, or off if track power is off. Make sure the toggles on the DB150 are set properly. If you have added to the Loconet, make sure all the cables are good. Try it witht he DT402 plugged directly in to the DB150, if that fixes it, you have a wiring issue in the Loconet cable, or too much voltage drop - try the throttle with a battery, or connect a PS14 type power supply to the furthes UP5.

 Also check that buttons on the throttle aren't sticking. If you press a button and it activates the E-Stop as well, it would display TRK=IDLE. Or if after turning on the track power you hit + too many times. Once the track status dot shows solid, you need to hit Exit to get out of the power control, otherwise it continues to display +=On, -+Off. At least, both my DT400 and DT402 do this on my system with a Zephyr (original) as command station and DB150 as track power booster.

                  --Randy

 

[Lake]

Capt. Brigg

Lastly, one of the plastic horns on the battery cover of the DT402D has busted off from repeated opening and closing the battery compartment. I tried gluing the horn back on with CA which held for a few times, but it has come off again. Can I get a replacement and is there a better way to shut down the throttle than constantly pulling the battery and opening and closing the plastic door? Thanks for any suggestions.
Capt. Brigg

This is where I bought new covers. They cost so little that I bought one to replace the broken one and got 3 more just in case.

"If you break or lose the battery cover for your DT400 series, DT300 series,DT100 series, or UT series you will need a replacement cover.

This part is not available from Digitrax but can be purchased from an independant supplier such as D. D. & B Systems, [phone] or order online at www.ddnb.cc."

[Capt. Brigg]

Beasley, sorry about the misspelling. I guess a little "AIXELSYD" is setting in with age. I did try the Google suggestion and arrived at the same sites you mentioned. Thanks.

[Capt. Brigg]

Randy,

Thanks, I will look for the firmware update on the Digitrax site.