I have a Bachmann 4-6-0 steamer with sound on board that no longert responds to any inputs for my NCEPower Cab or Power Pro units.
I tried reprogramming it, but with no luck. When power is on to the track, I can hear the sound system coming on but loc o won't repond to program code 3. I read elsewhere that NCE has upgraded the eprom chips but I had no knowledge of this before.
Should i contact NCE about the chip upgrade?
Where is there a date on the Power Pro or Power Cab units?
I have other DCC locos, both Bachmann and BLI that all work fine.
I used the Bachman 4-6-0 for a short time then sit aside for perhaps 2 years and it will no longer respond.
I have a Power Pax booster, but can no longer find the power supply to it.
I have emailed the Power Pax people but have never heard back from them.
Any suggestions?
THanks
TheK4Kid
In the case of the Power Pro, the eprom chip inside the case has the eprom manufacture date on it (not necessarily the same as the update date). I just ungraded mine a few months ago, to the latest version. The NCE website says: "The most recent version is 3/1/2007c (released on 10/18/2011) for the PH-Pro / Power Pro / Powerhouse / CS02 5 amp system boxes." (link: https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store/EPROM-5-amp-PH-Pro-PH10-CS02-System-Firmware-Upgrade-Chip-3-1-2007c-p39551934). My new eprom has 2021 printed on its label.
If your system is older than 2011, you may need the upgrade.
My system ran fine on the old eprom, so I didn't upgrade for years. From what I understand, the upgrade simply addresses an issue with functionality of their Cab06 throttle. It didn't work right if you have the older eprom. Since I didn't have a Cab06, I didn't need the upgrade. I'm thinking of buying one, so I did the upgrade first.
Power Cab firmware upgrade information is here: https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store/Power-Cab-Firmware-Upgrade-Chip-1-65B-p39551974
Try resetting the decoder to factory settings (on the programming track!). That may solve your problem with the loco.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
K4,
What version of the Power Cab do you have? It will tell you at start up. If you have anything less than V1.65 then you want to upgrade. I don't think your issue has anything to do with that though.
And what CV and value are you using for your reset? It should be either CV8=8 or CV30=2. You should also make sure you power cycle (turn your Power Cab off then on) to properly complete the reset. It does make a difference sometimes.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I would also try a reset. I recently bought a Bachmann with sound and was a tad disappointed about the fact that no manual was provided for the decoder. If it's a Soundtraxx, you might want to look at this manual:
https://soundtraxx.com/content/Reference/Manuals/Econami/Econami-Steam-Tech-Reference.pdf
According to that manual, reset is CV8=8
Simon
Make sure both sets of wires between the loco and tender are plugged in all the way. Joe
I used your informaation, but it doies nothing.
I can hear the steam sound at idle, but it will not program.
It ran fine when I first got it, but I set it aside for about 8 weeks and now it does nothing but idle.
I have the same problem with a Bachmann diesel loco. Ran fine, but it also set fr 8 weeks, and now it's as dead as a door nail
I also bought a brand new Bachman Berkshire "765" loco with sound value onboard that will run, but will not program to any other address but"3".
.
I had an NCE CS02 which failed.
So I bought the NCE SB5 for power.
All of my BLI steamers run fine with it, I have 8 of them.
But I am having problems with all of my Bachmann locos on DCC.
I tried resetting one of my BLIs back to 3 which it did just fine, then back to its regular cab number which went just fine.
. I am trying to join the Bachmann forum to get some answers .It's been several hours but no confirmation email yet.
Version 1.65 for my NCE Power Cab
There seems to be a problem with comunication between NCE SB5 and Bachmann locos, seen that mentioned before and specificaly the SB5 has been mentioned.
I have a Bachmann DCC power supply somewhere. Perhaps hook it up to my test track and give that a try??????
I used it to run a small layout around my Christmas tree some while back.
Can you use just the Power Cab without the SB? Maybe a temporary programming track?
wrench567 Can you use just the Power Cab without the SB? Maybe a temporary programming track?
Thank you.
I have two Power Cabs. One is dedicated to the workbench where there is a test/ program track. It has not seen a decoder that couldn't be programmed. The other stays with the tiny modular layout. I try not to program on the modules.
Hope it works out.
Pete.
I can't find the Bachmann power supply.
So how can I power up the Powercab using my test track, not using the SB5?
One more question. I do have an unused MRC 8 amp power booster.
Could I use it along with the SB on my test track?
The SB manual says that the SB5 has no programming track outlet, but can use "Program on the main".
Hook the MRC booster into my test track using the SB5 as the power supply?
Your Power Cab should have come with it's own power supply and PCP panel. Do you still have them? That's all you really need to program on a separate programming track.
Your SB5 overrides the booster & command station of the Power Cab when the Power Cab is plugged into it. What power supply are you using to power your SB5?
I would NOT hook up the MRC booster in connection with your SB5 or your Power Cab. You don't need it and you'll likely toast either or both of them. Use the Power Cab and the SB5 as they were intended with their own separate power supplies.
TSTAGE,
THanks for the reminder!
I do have thge box it came in and PCP panel and the small power connector were still brand new in the box.
It has been stored awayon a backshelf in my workshop,out of sight, out of mind.
However the PCP panel is defective even though it has never been used.
I have power to te Power Cab hand held, but no power to the test track.
I used my VOM to troubleshoot the problem.
The Power supply that came with the Power cab is working, and i have power to the plug that goes into tjhe backside of the PCP panel, but no power out of the PCP panel to the test track..
I have some spare UTP panels but none of them have a power in plug like the PCP panel..
Since it's past 5pm EST here, I'll have to call NCE and order a new one, and possibly send this one back.
What a bummer! Brand new out of the box and the PCP panel is defective!
When I tried first programming a loco, I got a read back of can't read the CV.
Tried several Bachmann locos, same for all of them. So I used my VOM and found I had no power to the test track.
I'llcheck NCE website and see if I can order a new one.
I have had this Poweer Cab for a long time so I don't know if NCE would honor any kind of warranty.
For now I'll park my Bachmann locos on a shopshelf and only use my BLI locos.
My Bachman Berkshire "765" doe s work but only on the factory set code of"3".
IT also may need some weight on the pilot trucks because they constantly derail.
The only loco I have that does this .
K4.
You have to use the flat connector cord not the coiled one. There are two plugs on the PCP. You have to use the one on the left with the LED on the bottom half. The coiled cord does not have enough wires for track power. The flat wire has six wires and two are track power.
Thanks Pete,
I found the flat cable and hooked it up.
I could get sound, headlight, bell and whistle on the Bachmann 4-6-0 but the readout on the on the Powercab kept saying can't read CV.
However on factory code 3 the 4-6-0 wouldn't move even though I had headlamp , bell ad whistle on it.
I tried several times. Then I lost power to the test track again.
I think the PCP is defective. I used my VOM once again to troubleshoot. I have power in, but no power out of the PCP to the test track.
I am guessing the PCP is intermitent and I will have to replace it.
I tried to program my Bachmann Berkshire 765 loco and had the same problem , could not read CV.
Okay, I received the new NCE panel for the NCE POwer cab.
I am able to program my Bachmann 2-6-0 steam engine to either factory code of "3" and or the number on the loco cab of "7080" It will idle, I have whistle, bell and headlamp bit it will not move forward or reverse!
Have I missed something?
I am using the NCE manual for the Power Cab.
I often get "cannot read CV"
I also was able to program my Bachman "sound on board" Berkshire Nickel Plate "765"steam locomotive from the factory set code of 3 to "7650" and it has all functions and runs both in forwards and reverse.
However using the NCE Power Cab manual I cannot get the Bachmann 2-6-0 to move either forward or reverse.
Am I going to need a DCC programming booster?
Any help would be appreciated!
I also have a Bachnmann GP9 diesel with with a TCS WOW Sound 101 diesel decoder in it that ranwhen I first purchased it used on the cab number "7015" but I cant get it to do anything at all now using the Power Cab and the NCE manual.
It was running several months ago, then I set it aside and now it does nothing.
Are the wheels on your 2-6-0 and GP9 clean? How about your programming track? Are you using a programming track or your layout track to test/program?
Clean both the wheels and track with alcohol and a Q-tip to rule that out. I would also make sure that your plugs between the locomotive and tender are fully seated. That can cause issues, too.
And, no, you don't need a booster for your Power Cab. It has plenty of power to program sound decoders. If you are getting a "Cannot read CV" then there is something blocking your Power Cab (e.g. crud, bad connection) from reading your decoders.
Lastly, try running your GP9 on address "3". If that doesn't work, perform a factory reset and see if it responds to address "3". Also, be sure to cycle power (turn off then on) your Power Cab after you perform a factory reset. That often completes the reset.
Keep in mind the fact you're not able to read CVs doesn't mean that you can't program/change them. I have several engines with MRC sound decoders that I can program in Page mode using my Digitrax Zephyr's programming track, but I can't read the CVs back.
I've found most all decoders can be read using Decoder Pro. I have a PR4 connected to a separate programming track and connected to an old laptop I keep on the workbench. It's helpful because it's easier than you might think to put an amount into the wrong CV. I've done things like try to change CV5 to 200 and put 200 into CV4 instead, so the engine started fine but then ran forever because the stopping momentum was so high.
Never hurts to change CVs 2-3-4-5-6 all to zero. Zero basically turns CV6 (midrange) off, and zero in CV5 actually changes top speed to full power.
BTW if you're trying the long (4-digit) address, be sure CV29 is set to allow long addresses....
Check carefully that the tender plugs are inserted all the way, bent pins, or upside down. The fact you have sound, whistle, and bell indicates the decoder is responding to commands. No motor operation could be either no connection or programming. We're any of your locomotives in a consist? Try on the program track to set CV 19 to zero.
There is no need for a programming track booster. The Power Cab has enough power to program any decoder on the market.
wjstixBTW if you're trying the long (4-digit) address, be sure CV29 is set to allow long addresses....
K4Kid,
If you use programming track mode to initially program your locomotive to its 4-digit cab address, your Power Cab will change CV29 for you. To do that:
I say "Yes" to and setup both short & long address on my locomotives...
I do appreciate the help from all f you.
I am learning as I go along.
TStage, how would I performa factory reset on the TCS WOW Sound decoder in the GP 9?
By te way I looked at your layout and how yougot into MRRing!
MIne was bit different, but I got the bug from both my Granddad and my Dad.
Granddad worked for Sears and Roebuck in Ft Wayne Indiana. It was the week of Christmas 1956, I was 5 years old and Grnadad took me to work with him on a Saturday and left me with the guy who was running the Lionel "O" gauge trains in the big display windows.
I recall there were at least 4 trains running at once. I was hooked!
Dad also always set up his two Lionel trains around our Christmas tree every year from 1956 until about 1989, and let me run the trains!
When I bought the home I live in now, it has a large basement and about 1/4 of it is where I built my HO layout.
It is 6 feet wide and 24 feet long with two mains, and two smaller circuits. I still have a lot to do on it.
It sets at a heighthof 45 inches aboive the floor, and is made up of three 6x8 foot tables, all of which can be taken apart and easily moved if I should ever move or have my garage modified and extended and build a newer or larger layout.
I am now retired and have time to dedicate to it. I am in no hurry, and have often changed my mind on different aspects of it.I recently tore part of it up and made some changes.
But I am somewhat of a neophyte when it comes to DCC and CVs.I grew up in a fiberglass boat building family and worked several school summer vacations in the factory and was taught how to use many power tools, etc by my Dad and several of my uncles. My Uncle Ab Crosby who started the business in the early 1950s and my Dad both had once worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad.Uncle Ab was both a fireman and later aengineer on PRR steam engines and pullwed many trains of war materials during the 1940's
Dad left to join the US Navy during the war and later returned as a brakeman but later left and went into the boat business with my Uncle.
The boat business is now closed some time ago, but still has quite a follwing groups. The original name was Crosby Aeromarine, ad later changed to Hydrodyne Boats.
There is now a Facebook group called "The Hydroyners" and "Fiberglassics".
Anyway I'll give some of your advice a try and see what happens!
Thanks!
Ed
TheK4KidTStage, how would I performa factory reset on the TCS WOW Sound decoder in the GP 9?
Ed,
CV8=2 will reset your TCS Wow decoder to original factory settings. As mentioned, make sure you cycle power after the reset. It should then respond to address "3".
I would suggest that you stop jumping around from this steam loco and that diesel loco and concentrate on one of them. All the jumping around does is confuse everyone.
Then identify exactly which decoder you are trying to "correct".
Please confirm that you are using the PowerCab, by itself, with its provided power supply, and flat wire cable connected to the left socket on the PCP panel when the led is at the bottom.
Please confirm that you are using the provided PCP panel and not a UTP panel. I think they look the same, with the exception of the socket to which the track power wires are connected.
Please confirm that while programming you have the PowerCab set to program on the program track.
Note that if you the engine sitting on the program track, but with the cab not in any programming mode, and it is making any sounds, then there is nothing wrong with the connection between the cab and the track.
With the loco on the track and the Cab set to program on programming track, reset the decoder.
While still on the program track, where it asks you if you want to do options 1, 2, or 3, choose option 1. The cab should read the decoder, starting with the decoder ID. Record this value, as it will confirm who made the decoder. I believe that NCE has a list on their website wwith a manufacturer list.
Then go ahead and program (still on program track mode) the engine address you want (short/long), that you want to use the normal direction, that you want to use 28/128 speed steps, that you do not want analog operation, and that you are not going to use speed curves.
When you are setting the cab addresses, make sure that you use 3 for the short address, and activate this address. You can set long address to whatever you want, preferably the number on the side of the loco cab, but don't activate this now.
Now set the cab to option 2 on the programming menu.
Read and record value of CV 29. It should be 34.
Read and record value of CV 19. This is the consist CV. Since you reset the decoder it should be zero.
Now escape from the cab programming mode.
When it wants you to select loco, enter 3 (the short address)
See if loco runs and makes noise.
A warning. I found out something today while trying to help a friend get a Tsunami, original version, running that would run after reset but appeared to not want to accept any CV values when those values were entered manually.
I was using a PowerCab connected to an isolated test track.
While entering values into the CVs, a leading zero was required if the value was only a two digit value. For example, we wanted to enter a value of 34 into CV 29.
If we entered 34, the loco would revert to it's "I ain't gonna run" condition and had to be reset. After a period of frustration, I noticed that when ready to accept a value the screen was flashing ***. A-ha, said the brain, maybe it wants 3 digits.
So instead of entering 34, I entered 034. That worked. For any of the other values we changed, a leading zero was entered and everything worked fine.
I never knew this and don't know if it is an anomaly of the PowerCab or the decoder.
Good luck.
Maybe it's a Tsunami thing, maxman. I don't have any Tsunami/Tsunami2s installed in any of my locomotives and I have NEVER had to add a leading zero when entering or changing a CV value using my Power Cab. If the value is one-digit (e.g. CV8=2) I just enter "2"; if the value is two-digit (e.g. CV29=34) I enter "34", etc.
Maxman.
I have several Tsunami decoders factory installed and user installed.. I never had to add a leading 0 for programming with the Power Cab. Is there something else hooked to the system like a PTB, or the NCE program track switch? That is truly odd.
Tom and Pete:
Yes we thought odd also.
Will craft a more detailed reply hopefully later today. Had one started this morning while I was in the throne room but pushed a wrong key and it got flushed away.
maxman Tom and Pete: Yes we thought odd also. Will craft a more detailed reply hopefully later today. Had one started this morning while I was in the throne room but pushed a wrong key and it got flushed away.
That's what happens when you try to work in the oval office.
Didn’t forget. Saga continue.