Setting up first engine with decoder and Digitrax DCS52

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R

ReadyPlayerOne2024

Member
I have a N scale Amtrak P42 engine, DCS52 controller and DN163K0a decoder.
My DCS52 is connected to a small oval. I confirmed the engine would run with its DC card in it on address 0000.
I have installed a DN163K0a decoder in the P42.
When I put it on the separate programming track, the DCS52 can pick up the engine and program it. The engine blinks its lights during the process. I have changed the address from 03 to 05 to 04 successfully.
I then move the engine to the oval. However, the engine does not run or light up.
I have swapped the Kato Unijoiners between the two tracks and verified the program mode would still detect the engine. However, the engine will not run on the other track (former programming track section).

Any suggestions, links or videos would be much appreciated. I am on the Digitrax support site, but my search there has not turned up anything as yet.

Thank you!
 


Next, if you put a quarter across the rails, does the command station error out with the green power light and display flashing?
 
The track did short with the Quarter test.
I got a reply from Digitrax helpdesk today. They suggested I push down on the contacts to the decoder as those plastic retaining clips apparently don't work too good once pried up. I pushed my thumb down on it - and the little engine could! So, I am off to Lowes or Walmart of somewhere to get some solder.......
Thanks for the suggestions!
 
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