Atlas decoder won't change address.

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


KB02

KB02

Well-Known Member
Just picked up an Atlas Master Locomotive Series 8-40BW with DCC installed. Everything seems to working like it should except for the fact that I cannot re-program the decoder address. It is stuck on 03. I have tried it on both the programing track and main track, through the regular handheld cab and JMRI interface and nothing.

I have contacted Atlas to see what they say, but in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions on anything I can try?
 
Not an Atlas fan, BUT I have same issue with a Bachmann Climax...was told I may need to use a Booster for it to change addresses. Decided to leave as 3, as I can readdress my other Locos to different addresses. Will eventually switch over to Econami.


Logger Mike,
Charlotte, NC Area
 
Yeah, as this is only a two function decoder as well, there may be an Econami decoder in it's future.
 


Have you tried to programme it to a long address, or what is known as an extended address (number above 127)? If you are assigning it its cab number, say 1992, then you must also ensure CV29 is set to a value of either 34 or 38. A value of 38 keeps the decoder responsive to the dual DC/DCC track voltage if you expose the loco to both periodically. A value of 34 precludes any sensitivity except to DCC. However, setting CV29 to any of its optional numbers enables the long address, and only then will the locomotive respond to 1992 or any other long address.

If you can't get it to work after that, try acquiring address "00" in Ops Mode, or Programming on the Main, and do the proper reset for the decoder version you have. Of course it will still be on Add "03", but at least you can try again to readdress it from there.
 
I have found using SPROG 3 and JMRI I can reset all types of decoders. I would try that and see if it works, you can always take it to a friend/club who may have SPROG & JMRI.
Regards,

Vik.
 
A.) What is SPROG?
B.) Saddly I have no friends who are in the hobby (other than y'all on this forum) and I do not belong to the local(ish) club as they only meet one night a week and that happens to be a night that I have other family obligations. And the only hobby shop in the area only carries DC equipment as there is a guy who runs a mail-order (only) business with DCC stuff. I'm kind of on my own.

I ave tried programming it with JMRI and still no luck. I have tried the reset a couple of times, too, without success. I will try the CV29 trick and see if that gets it going. All other programming values seem to be programmable, so the system does appear to be working. Still haven't heard back from Bachmann. :(
 
KB02 said:
A.) What is SPROG?
B.) Saddly I have no friends who are in the hobby (other than y'all on this forum) and I do not belong to the local(ish) club as they only meet one night a week and that happens to be a night that I have other family obligations. And the only hobby shop in the area only carries DC equipment as there is a guy who runs a mail-order (only) business with DCC stuff. I'm kind of on my own.

I ave tried programming it with JMRI and still no luck. I have tried the reset a couple of times, too, without success. I will try the CV29 trick and see if that gets it going. All other programming values seem to be programmable, so the system does appear to be working. Still haven't heard back from Bachmann. :(
Click to expand...


Hi,

Details on SPROG are: http://www.bbmgroup.com/sprog/shop.html

As no local help is available I would recommend sending the loco to one of the dealers listed on the SPROG site (link above) and see if they can help.

Hope you can get it resolved.
Regards,

Vik.
 


No luck with a CV29 reprogram. Looks like I'm stuck on #03 with this loco. At least until I get a programming booster or a different decoder.
 
Any local hobby shops that could try to change the address using their DCC systems?

Just an idea...!

Thanks.

Greg
 
Sorry I missed an earlier comment about the mail order DCC guy. Another idea...maybe send the decoder to forum member who could try to change the address or be willing to swap out the decoder with one programmed with your address. I can get Dual Mode decoders for about $20, if in stock.

I would volunteer, but my schedule for the next month is most cabin related. After that ok.

Thanks.

Greg
 
Thanks, but I think I'll just get a new decoder anyway. The one it came with was just a 2 function decoder anyway, and I would like more than that. The question is: Do I go with the Econami, or just pick up an NCE drop in for around $20? I've got a bunch of Credit Card reward points to spend that I can use on Amazon. Other than that, my purchasing power is a little limited at the moment due to unforeseen car repairs (hence the extra reward points to spend).

Atlas Customer service was very helpful, and informative, but all their trouble shooting tips have just confirmed, really, that the decoder is defective.
 
Again, not an Atlas diesel (assumed) fan, nor NEC, my recommendation would be the Econami.... I've installed 4 now, 3 without any modifications at all to the Locos.....replacements for factory installs for 2 Shays & 1 Climax, and 1 in a 30 y/o Rivarossi Heisler. Easy to install, great manuals, both got installations and Tech info.....but again all mine are Geared Steam.....don't know about the diesel ones, have heard (read), they down cover all the diff lights and sounds of non-steam. Good luck.


Logger Mike,
Charlotte, NC Area
 
From what I can find there are only 5 prime mover sounds for diesel, EMD's 567 non-turbo, 645 turbo, 710 turbo electric start (no air start). GE's FDL-16. Alco 244.
 
Is the loco already set-up for sound? Ie: does it already have speaker and speaker wiring installed? If so then go for an affordable sound-decoder(avoid MRC)........if not then go for the best quality non-sound decoder you can afford(again avoid MRC)...unless you want to install speaker and wiring for sound yourself.
 
Yeah, not set for sound, it would be a full install if I went that route.

I think for the moment, I just want a decoder with silent running. This thing is a LOUD beast.
 


You must log in or register to reply here.




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)

Back
Top