You must have a faulty decoder or a wire pulled loose somewhere during shipping. Tower 55 uses the Digitrax SoundFX decoder, which should operate on the default address of 3 right out of the box.
I have two Tower 55 models and have a third one on order. They run the smoothest and have the best sound of any sound-equipped locomotives I own.
Go to the Digitrax web site and download their SoundFX decoder technical reference manual.
I don't have and have never used a Digitrax DCC system, but try programming on the main line instead of using a programming track if your system will do that. I use an NCE ProCab and had absolutely no problems with programming the Tower 55 models.
If it runs on 03, but you can't program it on a programming track, it sounds like the decoder needs more power than the programming track can provide.
Can you change things other than the address? Like volume levels, or other CV's? I have a Lenz DCC system, which does not allow address programming on the main. That's intentional, to keep you from accidentally re-programming the address of all your locomotives when you're only trying to do one of them.
Someone has suggested putting a 10-ohm resistor in series with your programming track leads. This limits the "current rush" to these decoders, and may allow the programming track to work with these power-hungry engines. I haven't tried this myself, though.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Some DCC systems really are changing the locomotive address, but are not resetting CV 29 to tell the decoder that it should run on the long address instead of short address. Try setting CV 29 to a value of 34 after you think your decoder has been set to a long address.
Austin Redbox wrote:I am facing the same issue right now. It is programmed to 03 and I cant change the address at all. I also have the Super Chief system. There is sound, lights and everything else working but I just cannot reprogram the address to the engine number or even a two digit address
From the Digitrax manual:
Changing the Decoder Addres
The first CV most people change is the decoders address. This lets you independently control each loco with its own unique address. Digitrax decoders are shipped with CV01 (AD2), the two digit address, set to 03. Following is a brief description of how to change the decoder address with a Digitrax DT series throttle. See your Starter Set Manual for complete programming instructions.
1. Place the loco on the programming track or on the main line.
2. Enter the programming mode using your DCC system/throttle. On DT400 press PROG until you see "Pd" if using a programming track or "Po" if using the main line.
3. Use your throttle to choose the address you want to set up for the decoder.
On the DT400 use the left knob to dial AD2 for two digit programming, use the right knob to dial up the address, click the right knob to change to AD4 for programming 4 digit addresses.
4. Complete address programming. On DT400 press ENTER. Note: CV29 must also be programmed to enable 4 digit addressing, this is done automatically by the DT300 & DT400 but not on earlier throttles.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
peterjenkinson1956 wrote:i tried the program track with a 10 ohm resister in line still no good i cannot change from 03 to loco number tried everything sugested by all the above members any suggestions peter
Peter,
I think you'll want a higher ohm resistor like a 1K. That should make more of a difference.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
peterjenkinson1956 wrote:finally got everything sorted out.... tried everything that was suggested...thanks felllas... tried the diferent resisters eventually after searching tower 55 trains i was directed to TONYS TRAINS typed in tower 55 and got all the answers the program track is no good need to program on the main to make it easier put in a double throw double pole switch and have the main line OR a main program track easy i need to slow down the loco by changing the speed cv.s then it will be great... love the dynamic brake and wheel slip sounds .... peter
Well please do tell!! I have no luck in changing the address on mine. In fact I did something yesterday that caused both the Tower 55 engines to just stop. I was programing a Kato on the prog track and in turn I somehow changed the two tower 55 engines to that Kato number. Then I was like cool. I will change it to their numbers and it will work but when I hit program again it just stop making noise (idling) and they are not working now. I tried the previous 03 number and the Kato # 4213 and still no luck. So now I cannot run either one of them. I need to find this out and do it soon. Do you have a link to the answers on Loys toys? Thanks
Tony's Train Exchange: http://www.tonystrains.com
As of recently, Loy's Toys is no longer in business.
I hear ya, AR. If I buy it; it's going to run.
hello austin... i noticed your kato loco is 4213... sounds to me to be a ns sd 80.. i have 3 x of these locos dif numbers i cut away part of the chassis and mounted a speaker in the fuel tank the loc sound decoder sits in the body ok and i wired up indipendent ditch lights .... i got small L E D .s from xmas lights to light up all the lights.... i run 3 x NS sd 80 with sound and they sound great.. loc sound horn is better than t55 ( in my opinion ) and i had no problem programming these locos ...i would have programmed all three in less time than it took to write the reply..read TONY,s trains site and i found it very helpfull keep in touch with us and let us know haw you progress....peter