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Post by atsf2021bnsf on Apr 24, 2022 8:02:19 GMT -8
Some advice please from the DCC literate. Have two locomotives - brand new - and they run nicely and many of the sounds work fine. (An Athearn Dash-9 and a GEVO)However, on both diesels the F0 will not latch - the headlights flash on once but do not stay lit. Similarly on one of the locos the bell sound on F1 rings once but does not stay on.I think one can adjust most of the buttons to stay "on" but not sure one can do anything about FO. I am using a Lenz system. Any advice, The locos are working generally so the chip is not blown. Many thanks in advance for any help. JM
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Post by wp8thsub on Apr 24, 2022 10:16:32 GMT -8
This could be related to intermittent electrical contact. Tsunami decoders lack "function memory," so that when a function is turned on, it only remains so as long as the decoder is receiving a steady flow of electricity. If there's dirty track, interrupted electrical flow through the trucks (e.g. wiring is loose and not making proper contact either at the truck or the decoder, the axles aren't making good contact with the bearings, etc.), or a broken wire, the function you selected will turn off and you'll have to turn it on again. Given that you say the locos still run well, that may not be the case, but there may be just enough of an electrical issue it shuts off the lights without you noticing hesitation. I only have two Genesis locos with Tsunami-2s, and both of them wouldn't keep the lights on until I soldered all the wiring connections and adjusted the truck bearings to stay in good contact with the axles.
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Post by atsf2021bnsf on Apr 24, 2022 13:30:10 GMT -8
Golly Rob one surely shouldn't have to do that to get them to work properly.
Anyway a useful pointer.
Most kind
JM
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Post by cwgreg on Apr 24, 2022 13:37:16 GMT -8
Have you tried a decoder reset? Sometimes decoders get some things scrambled and a factory reset fixes it. Get the OEM manual for the respective engines from the Athearn website or Soundtraxx website and check the CV settings for the respective engines.
Greg
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Post by edwardsutorik on Apr 24, 2022 14:47:34 GMT -8
I have, on occasion, received brand new diesels with the CV's set strangely.
So. It's not a given that they are always set "factory".
Ed
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2022 17:02:33 GMT -8
I have an NCE PowerCab system.
In any case, their instructions tell you to unplug the tethered controller when not in use.
I stupidly followed their instructions! Let's just say their plugs fail very easily. Luckily my buddy was able to replace the plugs with a better version, and I don't unplug it anymore (instead use DPDT toggle switch to turn off power to the system which also allows me to use plain dc, just not at the same time).
This is relevant here because when the cheap plastic crap spring on the plug is failing, you will get all kinds of weird dcc responses, where it seems the engine is not readily responding to the NCE system. So, I would say verify that your system is making good electrical contact with your track and that the track is clean.
Then of course try the decoder factory reset. I have had no problems with Athearn Tsunami engines. They are easier for me to live with in general than some of the competition. Resetting the Athearn Tsunami decoder is easy should be set CV 8 = 8 but I would check instructions with the unit.
John
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Post by atsf2021bnsf on Apr 25, 2022 0:05:50 GMT -8
Thanks all will check connections and perform the factory re-set as suggested.
Thanks again.
JM
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Post by NS4122 on Apr 25, 2022 9:10:22 GMT -8
I'm not familiar with the Lenz DCC system, but my NCE system has a setting called "Function Refresh" that takes care of this. If set and if there is a momentary interruption of power, the decoder will keep functions f0 to f8 going after the interruption. If you don't have this setting on your Lenz system, you're going to have to keep your track and wheels very clean or invest in current keepers to help prevent the dropouts.
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Post by Gino Damen on Apr 25, 2022 9:52:59 GMT -8
Be aware that the Lens system is European oriented. That also means that a function like F2 is latching. With the Lens system you can change the behavior, but you do need to read the manual how to do it.
Before attempting to do that it is wisely to perform a factory reset of the command station. That ensures that the settings reflect the settings in the manual.
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Post by rockisland652 on Apr 30, 2022 12:47:24 GMT -8
Make sure there is only one DCC throttle pointed at the decoder address. If there is another throttle that is telling the decoder to shut off the headlight, then the light would pop on, then off, depending on which throttle has the decoder's attention.
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Post by cemr5396 on May 1, 2022 19:14:35 GMT -8
I'm not familiar with the Lenz DCC system, but my NCE system has a setting called "Function Refresh" that takes care of this. If set and if there is a momentary interruption of power, the decoder will keep functions f0 to f8 going after the interruption. I was unaware this was a thing, is it an option on the Power Cab? If so how do I turn it on? Having to turn everything back on after a power interruption is an annoyance I could do without. |
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Post by NS4122 on May 2, 2022 6:58:39 GMT -8
Hit Prog/ESC and press 5 for SET CMD STATION. Go through all the settings by pressing enter until you come to Function Refresh Enable. It's Off by default. I was unaware this was a thing, is it an option on the Power Cab? If so how do I turn it on? Having to turn everything back on after a power interruption is an annoyance I could do without. |
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Post by cemr5396 on May 2, 2022 8:58:27 GMT -8
Hit Prog/ESC and press 5 for SET CMD STATION. Go through all the settings by pressing enter until you come to Function Refresh Enable. It's Off by default. I was unaware this was a thing, is it an option on the Power Cab? If so how do I turn it on? Having to turn everything back on after a power interruption is an annoyance I could do without. I'll try that, thanks. |
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