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DCC and Genesis problem

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  • Member since
    December 2015
  • 2 posts
DCC and Genesis problem
Posted by streator on Monday, December 7, 2015 4:14 PM

I am having a problem with my non sound Genesis engines.  i am using digitrax.  When I turn on the lights to the engine I lose control of the engine, it won't stop.  With the lights out it runs perfect.  If I put a sound engine next to it, it works fine.  I have reqired the layout with suitcase clips and everything still a problem.  when i take the units to a different layout no problem, when I put them on a test track no problem.  There must be somekind of interference causing the problem.

 

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 11:26 PM

streator,

Which Digitrax system?

Which throttle? More than one throttle? Wired or wireless? If wireless, Radio or IF?

How many locomotives do you run at once? 

Is it only one locomotive that does it? More than one? (I know you said Genesis non-sound, but, that is only part of the info needed.)

What size is your layout? 

Is the wiring adequate for the layout size? (I.e. Does the "quarter test" work successfully all around the layout?)

Is analog mode enabled on the locomotive(s) in question?

Do you run any DC locomotives on your layout? (Some Digitrax systems allow this on address "0".)

We really need more info to help you out on this.

(My guess, as a "shot in the dark", is the locomotive(s) in question are not recognizing DCC signal for some reason, so it(they) is(are) taking off in "analog" mode, recognizing the power from the DCC command station as DC power. But, that is totally a complete shot in the dark with this little information to go on.)

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 11:35 PM

You have a layout wiring problem, not a Genesis problem.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    April 2002
  • 921 posts
Posted by dante on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 11:00 PM

Rich, I don't think it is wiring: he says that all is okay without the lights on and all is okay with locos with sound. I suggest he reprogram that loco by resetting to factory default then carefully programming his CVs, making sure he disables the DC option.

Dante 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 11:41 PM

dante

Rich, I don't think it is wiring: he says that all is okay without the lights on and all is okay with locos with sound. I suggest he reprogram that loco by resetting to factory default then carefully programming his CVs, making sure he disables the DC option.

Dante 

 

Could be, but he says that when he take the locos to a different layout there is no problem, and when he put the locos on a test track there is no problem. That sure seems to suggest a problem with his main layout.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Thursday, December 10, 2015 7:54 AM

 Although what renders it uncontrollable only when the headlight is on is a big mystery. Even the Athearn light bulbs draw less current than the motor, so in the case of inadequate wiring, I'd expect it to act up lights on or lights off if the DCC signal was getting corrupted.

 Though it would be useful to know what decoder is in it. Non-sound Genesis locos do not come with decoders.

               --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
    November 2006
  • From: NW Pa Snow-belt.
  • 2,216 posts
Posted by ricktrains4824 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 11:21 AM

I'm beginning to think we may have scared our OP away....

Ricky W.

HO scale Proto-freelancer.

My Railroad rules:

1: It's my railroad, my rules.

2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.

3: Any objections, consult above rules.

  • Member since
    June 2007
  • 8,892 posts
Posted by riogrande5761 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015 12:03 PM

ricktrains4824

I'm beginning to think we may have scared our OP away....

That seems to be true for 3/4 of topics here.  OP starts a topic and then crickits from them after for a long time; if we are lucky they may come back in a day or two and respond - thats the other 20 percent of topics.

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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