I just installed a new decoder into my loco and when i go to programming it to assign it a long address can get so far into the process then eventually got a point to where it says it can not read the CV. Each time i reboot and try again as i get a different manufacture code. I am using NCE power cab.
Any ideas?
(PS i dont have a decoder tester yet).
Thanks
Hello All,
Contact the service desk at DigiTrax.
You will need to generate a service ticket.
They are good at getting back to you in a timely fashion.
I had an issue with one of their decoders not allowing Rule 17 dimming, despite the documentation clearly stating it should.
They found the fault and sent me a firmware update that I could install on all the decoders I purchased.
DigiTrax was not aware of this issue and corrected it on all subsequent decoders produced.
I use a NCE PowerPro 5A system along with JMRI DecoderPro running on both my Mac minis, to a stand-alone programming track via a DigiTrax PR3 (superceeded by the PR4).
This also allows me to use my iPad Mini with the full version of WiThrottle.
The firmware update required a PC.
Luckily, the Mac Mini with the Intel chip can run Windows natively, whereas the “newer” Mac Mini (with the M2 chip) cannot.
Hope this helps.
Interesting, I was not aware that a user could do firmware updates from home. I see that this can be done via a PR4 and Soundloader. For those who do not have the hardware, I wonder what are the options to update their decoders. Their local hobby shop or Digitrax I guess.
Simon
I a couple issues here.
First, re the decoder install:
Are the connections to your programming track good, and are the track and loco wheels clean and making good contact?
Can you read/write to other decoders using the same setup?
Are you absolutely sure the decoder install is correct, with no mis-connected or shorting wiring?
Did the loco run properly on DC before the decoder install?
Have you tried programming the loco on a different setup (Maybe a nearby club or hobby shop)?
Also, keep in mind that NCE and Digitrax handle some long/short addresses differently. Make sure the address you’re trying to program (or the way the PowerCab is trying to program it!) don’t fall into that “grey area”.
Then, re the Digitrax ticket:
Did the firmware bug that affected Rule 17 not allow you to set the address or read back CV’s? If not, that update may not help the OP. In any event, it’s available on the Digitrax download page, so a ticket isn’t really necessary if the OP can find someone to update the decoder for him. (See my following comments about firmware updates). And if the decoder was produced after August 2025, it may have the update already.
Finally, the firmware updates from home:
Yes, many of the “newer” Digitrax products have user-updatable firmware, using either the PR3, PR4, or one of the recent command stations with a USB port. I believe that for decoders, the ability first became available in the “7-Series”, ie, the OP’s DH127D is updatable but a (now discontinued) DH126D would not be.
Thanks for the checklist. Pretty sure things are clean ill do a once over on the wheels and track.
Other decoders respond correctly on the track.
Pretty sure its all connected right but it is just my 2nd direct wire job ill recheck that too.
The loco ran well in DC mode before i got into it.
No real access to another testing site. Club (not a member of one) and hobby shops both over 100 miles away.
Ill dis assemble it tomorrow and go thru everything again.
If all ells fails i do have a couple other similar decoders on order ill try just swapping them
Sounds like if i need to do some kind of a firmware upgrade i would need to some how hook up my DCC system to a computer and i dont have that setup. I think i saw some kind of accessory to do thwt but i just have a windows8 computer so if thats not enough i would probably skip that option all together.
Thanks
Kim
do you have any other locos using this decoder?
of what? the decoder, the PowerCab?
Yes i do have that same decoder in another loco, but with 2 more on the way to me ill just leave it there as a posed to breaking into that baby again if i don’t have to. (I still have some microscopic accessories like pipe or grab rail mounting points i need to re attach after that initial install). Seems like there is no where safe to hold onto these steam engine shells. Especially when your trying to figure out what way to flex or stretch them as you disassemble for the first time.
Well on that i am actually not sure i haven’t looked into that yet as i don’t think it is something i would be able to do. As i lack the proper resources.
I was hoping with my original post i was going to get a straight out answer like. “Your decoder is definitely faulty as it shouldn’t give a different manufacturer number every time it is read.” But of course nothing ever is that simple when it comes to the workings of a fledgling railway empire.
Kim
so then there’s shouldn’t be a reason for the new one not to work with the PowerCab. While programming, any information from the decoder is communicated by momentarily driving the motor and increasing the current.
Are you sure about the decoder motor connections?
Problem pretty much solved it came down to a good cleaning of the electrical pickups inside the tender. I did a lot of point to point testing of the wiring and came up with a problem on something i didn’t address during the install I got about 1 Qtip of blackness out of the bougie assembly where the current passes thru from the wheels to the inside of the tender where i spliced into.
Thanks everyone for their input.
Kim
