Basic DCC problem

[ereuter]

In preparation for my future layout, I've purchased an NCE PowerCab system, a Kato F3 and the Digitrax decoder designed for that engine. N Scale.

I installed the decoder in the engine per the very simple instructions.

Put it on a track connected to the program track output, and followed the directions in the NCE manual. It cannot see the decoder. However, the headlight flashes a couple times while it's trying, so power is getting to the decoder.

So then I try putting it on regular output to see if it will run anyway. No luck getting it to move, but the headlight does work (I can toggle it with the cab). I was also able to change the address of the engine from 003 to 6103 (its road number).

So I then attempted to reset the decoder to default by sending 008 to CV 008, and now it doesn't respond at all.

Am I missing something basic here, or did I get a flaky decoder?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[SpaceMouse]

If the NCE unit will run DC locos on address 00, pull the decoder and see if the engine operates in DC mode.

If you can change the address, then you are seeing the decoder. However, as you said the decoder could be bad or there may be a problem with the engine wiring(eg a solder bridge across two of the decoder terminals.)

A multi-meter would help a lot in tracking down the problem.

 

[Rednarb]

Probably not your issue but I thought I'd run it past you since I had the same symptoms. Not sure about the Digitrax decoders, but on the BLI locos I have with QSI, the loco won't run without triggering start-up (F6 I think) IF the last time it was run it went through a full shut-down (F9 several times I think). Again, may not be your problem but I was pulling my hair out wondering why lights were going on and off but yet the loco wouldn't go...