Proto 2000 USRA 0-6-0, Lenz decoders; no programming possible

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I put several LENZ decoders in my USRA 0-6-0 and tried to program them;
In every instance I got an error 02, which means ‘can’t read the decoder’.

Since I tried several decoders, I assume it can’t be the decoder that is palying havoc. But what is ?

The loco runs well on the factory decoder settings (loc-address 03 etc.) but it is impossible to program it.

Who can help ?

Bartje

2

You didn’t specify if this was the only time you couldn’t program a decoder or if you have never been able to. I would sugesst you look at the programing track setup you are using and insure that it is in compliance with the requirements. I would assume that if the loco runs onthe default values, the problem lies in your track, or maybe your DCC system. You also didn’t specify which system you are using, so doing that might get you a little better answer here…

3

thanks for the reply;

I never had any problem programming; my DCC-system is Lenz all the way; I tested the programming track and wires (they have to be separate from the layout in my LENZ system) and I could program and reprogram every other loco.

It must be the 0-6-0 ?

4

I’ve had the odd loco that comes up with Error 02, I found a bad contact between loco and track, not clean!!

Have you got a resistor ( 20 Ohm I think ) between your programme track and Lenz controller?

Ken.

5

No resistor . . .

Gerard

6

The resistor is a good idea, especially if you have Broadway engines as well. They tend to be a bit picky sometimes when programming. I have a Lenz system as well, I have both the 100 and 90 controllers. Great system.

7

Check out this thread - last post.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=48193&REPLY_ID=528000#528000

8

thanks a lot everybody, I’m going to try the resistor-method.

I will keep you informed.

9

Tried the resistor-method (connected about 20 Ohm-bulb across rails).
The only effect is that it took the machine more time to decide it was not going to read the decoder.

No result. Now I am going to put a decoder in another loco, program it and then put it back in the 0-6-0.

Hope this is the way around the problem.

10

bartje,

Sorry for the following stupid questions in advance.

  1. What make 0-6-0 are you trying to program? Proto 2000? Spectrum Saddleback? (Duh! I thought I remembered reading it was a Proto 2000. I looked in the post for the info but forgot it was mentioned up in the subject line.)
  2. Is this particular decoder you are using recommended by Lenz (or Proto 2000) for this particular 0-6-0?
  3. Is there a chance of trying a “non-Lenz” decoder in your 0-6-0 to see what happens?

Okay, the white light’s off…enough interrogating, for the moment.

Tom

11

Definately 20 ohms (ish mines 16.7 ohms ) in SERIES with one of the rails and the programme output, not across the rails[:D]

and probably not a bulb when they are cold they are nearly o ohms and when hot who knows!!

Ken.

12

thanks for all the help offered.
@tstage: there was no recommendation by anyone. I simply bought it and put it in and the only decoders I own are LENZs.
@ NZRMac: I am no electrical engineer. so I looked in another thread for the answer on the parallel - series - thing and read it should be parallel. So now I will try series and I will go through all my boxes and cartons for a real resistor of 20 Ohms.
I did not fini***he job until now because I had to fit an old decoder with a NMRA-plug for easy changing. And finding a supplier for the plugs alone took me several weeks.

Will be continued.

13

As mentioned, the resistor needs to be IN LINE with the wires to the control track. Also, use the biggest gauge wire you can for the programming track. I believe I am using 16 gauge on my Lenz 100 system.