Model Train/DCC Help

[boyerm25]

Recently I got an Athearn MN Northstar HO scale F59PHI, and I just went and installed DCC on it so I could put it on my layout. Today I put it on, excited to run it. I used address 3 (which the decoder manual said it was pre-programmed to), and could turn the headlight on and off, but the engine wouldn't move. I tried it on a DC test track and it worked forwards but would not move in reverse. The loco worked perfectly before I added the DCC decoder. My system is Bachmann EZ-Command and the decoder is a Digitrax DH163D. Any ideas as to why this isn't working? I tried switching the decoder address, and the loco recognized the new address, but still would not move.

 

[SD45T-2]

Put the Jumper Plug back in. Does it work then?

 

[boyerm25]

I don't have that any more (the hobby shop took it out and kept it), but it did work before the decoder was added.

 

[SD45T-2]

Well, that's no help. Something might have broke after the decoder was added.

Try another decoder you know works.

 

[boyerm25]

Well, I'd have to go the the hobby shop and see about that lol...
I don't have any spare decoders and I don't want to take one out of another engine and get it back in.
I think I'll go to the hobby shop and see if they can figure out if it's the decoder or the engine.
Oh yeah, and I just had to tape one of the fans back on from the inside, since it fell off, right now I'm not very happy with this engine (the back fence keeps coming off too).

 

[ryanstrains]

Well, I'd have to go the the hobby shop and see about that lol...
I don't have any spare decoders and I don't want to take one out of another engine and get it back in.
I think I'll go to the hobby shop and see if they can figure out if it's the decoder or the engine.
Oh yeah, and I just had to tape one of the fans back on from the inside, since it fell off, right now I'm not very happy with this engine (the back fence keeps coming off too).

Stuff should not be falling off like that unless it was dropped or something, which could explain why its not working with the decoder.

 

[boyerm25]

I never dropped it, unless it fell while it was being stored in my parents' closet (which wouldn't be my fault). I was just taking the shell off the get to the decoder and the fan came off.

 

[JIb228]

Was it a Plug and Play install? Or did you have to wire it in?

If its Plug and Play, are all the wires still in the pug that the decoder fits into?

If hardwired, are all the wires connected to the right points?

Dose the decoder function in another locomotive? (Helps to have a decoder test kit. NCE makes a cheep one that I use when ever I have decoder problems.)

 

[conrailfan1999]

Try a 2 function decoder. Only the headlight on the front and back are actually lighted on those models. Maybe a Dh123?

 

[ryanstrains]

Try a 2 function decoder. Only the headlight on the front and back are actually lighted on those models. Maybe a Dh123?

That should have absolutely no impact on how it runs.

Edit:

You can also try to reset the decoder by setting CV 8 to 8, in PAGE mode if you have that option on your command system.

 

[boyerm25]

Was it a Plug and Play install? Or did you have to wire it in?

If its Plug and Play, are all the wires still in the pug that the decoder fits into?

If hardwired, are all the wires connected to the right points?

Dose the decoder function in another locomotive? (Helps to have a decoder test kit. NCE makes a cheep one that I use when ever I have decoder problems.)

Plug N' Play, yes the wires are all in

I would try it in another engine, but like I said I'm not very good with this stuff and would probably break it well trying to get it off. Really gotta learn sometime...

 

[JIb228]

You can also try to reset the decoder by setting CV 8 to 8, in PAGE mode if you have that option on your command system.

Thats all ways a good idea. But hes on the Bochamnn Easy DCC, with has no programing out side of setting the short address to a range from 1 to 9.



Boyerm, look into getting an NCE Power Cab. They are easy to learn, come with every thing you need to get your trains running, and the throttle its self will work on any other NCE DCC system. And you can latter upgrade your system to a larger more powerful system, and still use the Power Cab Throttle.

As for learning this stuff, the basics are easy, once you learn them. The easiest way to do this is to get a cheep locomotive and a cheep decoder. TCS has some nice ones for between $18-$20, and they have a goof repair policy. If you break the decoder, they fix it for free. And once you have a cheap locomotive and a cheap decoder. Follow the instructions and install it your self. The first one is a pain in the caboose, but after you get one or two in, you get the hang of it.

 

[ryanstrains]

If you plan on upgrading to a true DCC system, I would highly recommend a Digitrax system, their customer support is very good, plus the quality of their components seems to be very good as well.

Also, if you have a computer and an iPod, iPhone or iPad nearby, you can buy a computer interface for $70-80 (PR3) and use your iOS devices to run your trains and have complete control of all functions, even with the basic Zephyr (original not even the newer Xtra).

 

[JIb228]

If you plan on upgrading to a true DCC system, I would highly recommend a Digitrax system, their customer support is very good, plus the quality of their components seems to be very good as well.

Also, if you have a computer and an iPod, iPhone or iPad nearby, you can buy a computer interface for $70-80 (PR3) and use your iOS devices to run your trains and have complete control of all functions, even with the basic Zephyr (original not even the newer Xtra).

This might turn into a debate....But you can do all of that with NCE, for half the cost.


Power Cabs, the starter NCE DCC System lists for $199 on NCE's web site. While the Zepyher, Ditrax's starter set lists for $225. Only a $25 difference, but with the NCE system you can upgrade it to the Pro cab just by buying one more part. To get the same package that NCE offers in Digitrax you looking at $455 for a Super Chief Xtra 5 Amp system.


Ive used both systems. Ive found that Digitrax is unintuitive. You have to plug in to select a locomotive on a wireless system. You can only run 2 locomotives at a time on one Digitrax throttle. Where as I have had up to 8 on one NCE throttle. Consisting, or MUing on Digitracx, is much easier on NCE. (Press "Setup" then select "Advanced." Then give the consist an address. The type in the lead loco and F or R. The the last loco and F or R. Then repeat for any other locomotives in the consist. Then call up the lead, or any loco in the consist, and your off. On Digitrax, light some candels. Draw out a pentagram on your layout. Say the secret words. And you might have two locomotives MUed. Yes, I have tried MUing on Digitrax. I followed the manual and never got it to work.)

As for customer service on NCE I dont know. I have never had to talk to them. I have how ever worked with one of the guys who helped develop the NCE System.

And one other thing in favor of NCE, its all made in the USA.

 

[GN1996]

I also have used both NCE and Digitrax. I prefer Digitrax because it's what I'm used to. Both systems definitely have their pros and cons, however. I hope you get your decoder problem worked out boyerm.

 

[boyerm25]

How would getting a new DCC system help with a decoder problem?

 

[JIb228]

How would getting a new DCC system help with a decoder problem?

You would have more tools at your disposal. As of right now, all you Bacmann system can do is basic programing. With a better system you could go deeper into the programing. It might be that the decoder you bought has not been properly programed. A better system would allow you to do that.

 

[boyerm25]

mmm... I think the hobby shop has a test track, can I just get it programmed there?
I'm only 12, so I don't have like any money to buy a good DCC system.

 

[haddock56]

I recommend the soundtraxx mobile 4-function decoders. Same voltage draw as their sound decoders, but DCC only. I have two spare decoders and have already installed a soundtraxx Tsunami sound decoder/speaker combo in one of my engines. The motor control is excellent and the quality is extremely good. They might offer programming services, but I really can't tell since I haven't been to the hobby shop near you boyerm. Three reasons I suggested the Soundtraxx mobile 4-function decoders: 1) should you join a model railroad club it will make it very easy to program your loco's cab number since the addressing system supports 2, 3, and 4 digit addresses. 2) the soundtraxx mobile decoders can also be consisted with a Soundtraxx Tsunami equipped engine, since the voltage draw is the same. 3) The decoder quality is excellent and the motor control is also extremely good. Hope that helps, I've been fiddling with this DCC stuff for over a year now.