ESU Scaletrains decoder problem

[trra51]

I have two Scaletrains Gevo locos with factory sound files. I am trying to replace the factory file with either file S0715 or S0523 that I have downloaded from the ESU website. The files will not overwrite the factory file. I get an "Error wring sound data" error message. I have replaced the sound file on all of my scaletrains locos with new HIFI files from ESU.  ( SD40-2, GE dash 9, GE tier 4). I have never had a problem until now. I loaded file S0715 onto a blank decoder I am installing in a loco I am upgrading to sound. It worked just fine and sounds great.

I sent an email to Matt Herman several weeks ago and so far no reply.

Can the memory of a decoder be erased and then loaded with a new file?

Any ideas?

Thanks 

John

[ncrc5315]

I wonder if it is the keep alive capacitor preventing the download?

[trra51]

That thought crossed my mind. I have upgraded the sound file in about a dozen Scaletrains locos and never had a problem until now. Is there a work around that does not involve disassembling the loco?

John

[edwardsutorik]

Doesn't sound like it's the keep alives to me.

I recommend getting on this group and asking there:

groups.io/g/Loksound


If you do, and you get an answer, I'd appreciate it if you also posted that answer here--just to "close out" the topic.



Ed

[cp9002]

The first run of ScaleTrains ES44s had a mistake with the motherboards. I do not know if any other runs of anything also had this problem. They will not allow the decoder to be programmed while it is on the motherboard. It also caused some weird issues with the flashing effect on the rear ditch lights on the NS units. ScaleTrains had new motherboards made. I go one from them and swapped it myself. It fixed the issue. I think they also had the option to send it in to them to fix. If you don't feel like dealing with any of that, you can pull decoder and put it on the tester or move it to another engine for programing.

[middledivision]

I had the same problem with an early run Gevo and had to replace the board, which ST sent me.

[trra51]

Thanks everyone. I will contact Scale Trains tomorrow for replacement circuit boards.

Thanks everyone.

John

[bnsf971]

Sept 14, 2022 12:24:39 GMT -8 trra51 said:

Thanks everyone. I will contact Scale Trains tomorrow for replacement circuit boards.

Thanks everyone.

John

If that turns out to not be the problem, I've had several instances where a sound file would fail to load, with an error like you describe.
When that happens, I load the bare sound file onto the decoder, then make modifications afterward. Don't even put an address in, just load the file.

[upmodeler1973]

Have you updated your programmer to the lasted software.

[middledivision]

Had the same problem with my CN Gevo. Bad board. I loaded the file on the ESU decoder tester and then put the decoder back in the Gevo. Works fine.

[trra51]

I received the new boards from ScaleTrains several weeks ago. I have updated my Lokprogrammer software. I will try to load the file on a bare decoder on a tester before I replace the circuit board.

John

[trra51]

I have an update to my original post. Today I took the decoder out of the Gevo that would not program and put it in a known loco I know is good. I was able to copy the new HIFI file (715) to the decoder. I did no programming on the decoder before reinstalling it in the original loco with the bad circuit board. It worked just fine and I was able to program it to my liking. The only problem with the loco now is the rear ditch lights light but they will not flash properly due to the defective circuit board. This is a NS unit but I can live without the flashing ditch lights on the rear. The front work just fine.

Thanks to those who suggested this fix. It is easier than replacing the board.

Thanks 
John