Which Decoder?

[EHodges]

Hey guys I have a pretty basic and straitforth question. How do i know what to look for in a decoder? Currently I have been getting clubmembers to giv me ideas and I go off of that. Here is what i have for Locos right now and the decoders. I do not run sound yet just motion decoders.

Atlas Trainman Norfolk Southern Genset #300 DH165IP Digitrax
Atlas Trainman Norfolk Southern Genset #301 DH165IP Digitrax
Athearn RTR SW1500 Norfolk Southern #2305 DN135PS Digitrax
Athearn RTR SD38-2 Norfolk Southern #3819 No Decoder yet, Just recieved

The decoders currently in the locomtives work good and run the locomotives. Today we had a op session. My Gensets wer running in pairs both on 300 address. I had to change the address due to the president being on 300 as well. I changed the #301 genset to 301 address and tried to change the #300 genset to 301 also and would not take it. The physical address kept changing to 45 after the changes were writen to sheet. Finaly I just ran my one genset #301 pulling 30 cars and only needed a helper 1 time. I was happy but I need to understand the decoders more so I understand what I am purchasing.

Eric

 

[Motley]

Those Digitrax decoders are just fine. It sounds like you have a problem with consisting? Were you trying to run both gensets on address 300? Or did you setup a consist with both gensets with consist address of 300?

The correct way to run both genset together is to have them each on their own uniquie address. Then consist them together, and use the consist address to run them.

If you still can't reprogram the address, try to reset the decoder back to factory defaults, it should be in the manual or online.

 

[diburning]

With the one that won't program, take it to the programming track, program a value of 8 into CV 8. That should reset the decoder. Also, if you haven't done so already, remove the capacitors under the weight as that may affect programming and/or running quality.

Program every engine to their own address/cab number. To consist them, (if you are using a super throttle DT series) put the lead engine into the right knob, put the training engine in the left knob, making sure that both engines are running in the direction that you want them to go, hook up the engines, plug in your throttle, hit MU then +. The speed display for the left side should then say cn meaning the engines are consisted and will both run from the right knob. If you are running a utility throttle (UT series) then I don't think you can do it. If you are using a Zephyr, then I'd consult the manual as I've always plugged a throttle into my Zephyr for programming and operations.

With the gensets you don't need 6-function decoders unless you plan on rewiring the ditch lights into the functions. 2-functions will be enough for them. (you could put a DH123 where the capacitors are after you remove them).

With the SW1500 you didn't need the DN135PS, a DN143IP would have worked (unless the DN135PS was less expensive).

As for the SD38 (NS 3819 is not a dash 2), it will fit a DH123 with no problems. Get the least expensive DH123 (DH123D), and install it without the harness into the loco. The loco's dummy plug is on a 9-pin plug, and the DH123 has a 9-pin socket. Theres plenty of room under the hood for the decoder so if you just leave the decoder as is where it is plugged in, it will fit fine. The prototype doesn't have any ditch lights or strobes or anything like that so the DH123 will do fine.

(I installed a decoder into my model of NS 3819 yesterday )

 

[EHodges]

information

Hey guys I appreciate the info and what a great site this is. I get so much help from you guys. I did MU or Consist the Gensets the night before at the club and after 1 hour of messing with them I got them set right. They worked properly with no issues. I got to the club Sat (op session day) and checked them and they were not running right just sitting over night. I checked tthem on the program track and on the computer they wer right and I got them running right again. After putting them on the track with address 300 they took off. We found that the club president was on 300 and that is why my engines took off. I then tried to just set them both on 301 and run them together running the same direction. My decoder on genset 300 would not take that change. The physical address continued to change to 45 after writing changes. I ended up dropping that engine and running my only genset. After the session I sit down with it and got them both running on 301. I need to get my own throttle and not using the clubs. That may have been my issue. I grabbed the same throttle Digitrax DT402 and at first they were running opposite of each other. I am gonna continue to work on them but I also just got me a new Athearn 38-2 that will be my pulling engine until i get my Dash9-40WC or ACe engine. Also looking at SD-70 engines as well. I am glad to hear that the current decoders I am using are good. I appreciate the write back guys.

Eric

 

[bnsf971]

Eric, did you remove the capacitors in the long hoods of the Gensets?
If not, they'll give all manner of trouble. Mine didn't at home, but caused chaos at our club layout. Oh, and I have a Digitrax DZ143P in my Genset, and a DH123 in my SD38 and SW1500.

 

[EHodges]

caps

After reading the post about the caps and doing some more reseach I have removed the caps in both engines. We will see how great it runs on Thursday night. I burned the decoder up in the new SD38 tonight so it is time to buy a new decoder. Oh well we learn as we go.

Eric