I’m new to the DCC scenario. Brand new units. Ive wired a Programming track and attempted to setup two different locos, both have failed. my brand new Scale Trains came equipped with a decoder at address 0003. i know this because when i put it on the main it rolls at address 0003 but i have no control over it. it just glides slowly in one direction. Ive tried a number of time to reprogram it. the throttle retain my changed values but wont write to the decoder. and it fails to read the store decoder values. although it indicates a good connection from the programming track. I suspect the issue is with me but I havent been able to track down any info on what i might be doing wrong. any thoughts?
I have never experienced an issue quite like yours, but I’ll offer the following. First, do a decoder reset. I believe Scale Trains uses Soundtraxx decoders, so CV8=8 to reset. If the problem still exists, “reboot” the throttle by removing the batteries. If still not resolved then unplug the dcs210. Then call Digitrax for help. I apologize for some pretty generic answers.
Regards, Chris
Welcome to the forum, Hawkskye.
I can’t answer your question, but please let us know how you finally solve your issue with the decoder. It may help someone else having the same problem.
Since you have a DCS210+ with the built-in USB port, you may want to install JMRI on your computer and use that for your decoder programming. It turns decoder programming into a panel-driven, point-and-click operation using plain language. In the roughly 22 years I’ve been using JMRI I can’t ever remember using a throttle for programming a decoder, simply because JMRI is faster and easier.
https://www.jmri.org/
As for support, there is a jmriusers list that is frequented by not only a lot of very knowledgeable users, but also by the folks who actually write the JMRI code. They are a friendly bunch and willing to help users of any level:
I should also note that there is a Digitrax list on groups.io where you can ask questions and get advice:
Digitrax-Users@groups.io | Home
@Tophias - thank you for the insights. I will take the reset under advisement and use that most likely at some point. I do have JMRI installed on my PC, as suggested by @MrMe and will try that method first.
Something i left out of the initial post: when i updated the throttle FW, when I first set it up as recommended by the mfg, it locked up and I had to re-flash it to get it out of its flashing lights mode. not sure if thats relevant but i call that a clue. Also, this throttle has never had batteries in it. when youre plugged into the DCS you dont need them. so its been rebooted a number of times already as ive unplugged the DCS to reposition it at least twice - still organizing a new layout, constant changes!
So, thanks again! handy info. Im sure I’ll use it.
If it were easy it wouldnt be any fun!
@York1 will do.
@MrMe - thank you for the resource info. I’ll be working on that today.
Hawkskye, now that I see you’ve done a firmware update and the throttle has/had flashing lights I now think you have a throttle issue maybe. I would now definitely contact Digitrax to see if they can offer advise or solution. Ive contacted them in the past and they are helpful. Oh, and welcome to the forum! Please come back whenever the situation gets resolved and let us know what was the solution. Too many times people will ask for help but then we never know what the answer was.
Regards, Chris
@Tophias will do. least i can do for the guidance. I hope this string helps someone else down the road. or track, as the case may be.
See the original table and its notes [here].(Reset a Multifunction Decoder)
Using JMRI is a good idea, as it can identify the decoder itself if the manual doesn’t mention which one is in use. There is also the possibility that a change happened after the manual was printed.
Remember to power cycle the decoder to complete the reset process.
just to emphasize Betamax’s note about re starting the decoder after a reset. This is often forgotten and can lead to a lot of frustration.
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Hey Joe, good to see you here. It’s been a while.
Regards, Chris
Happy NewYear Chris.
Same to you Joe, and all here who are reading!
Regards, Chris
@MrMe - JMRI worked a charm. got both locos programmed! Thank you.
@Tophias - hope to get with Digitrax today. Im going to try and re-flash the throttle to older FW in hopes that maybe the newer version is buggy. Ill contact them anyway to let them know what Im seeing. Fingers crossed its just that simple.
Hawkskye, be sure to give us the final info.
Regards, Chris
@Tophias Update: I re-downloaded the DT602 FW, dated May24, and reflashed the throttle. now it seems to be working. I can read and write CVs in the Scale Trains model. I’m going to run some thorough tests before i call Digitrax. I suspect a corrupted download on the first attempt.
Hawkskye, good to know it (hopefully) has worked out. And thnx for offering us the solution.
Regards, Chris
+1