trying to get back into it.

[dano126]

Hello, I've been away for a while. I want to try and get my railroad up and running. I started to a couple years ago, but something happened and I lost interest. I've got ideas for my layout and started there. I've also got an MRC, I think its a Prodigy Squared something of other, I have to go look. Anyway, I think I've got decoders from a couple different companies. I do know that I did put a decoder in one of my locomotives, attempted to program it, and failed. That was the point that started me losing interest. The icing on the cake was my wife passing unexpectedly.
Anyway, I want to get back into it. My main question is, where can I go to find out about programing decoders, especially when using brands not the same as the DCC controler?

 

[RhB Michael]

The decoder does not have to be the same brand as the command station. I have several different brands of decoders in my locomotives and they all get along fine with the command station.

Each decoder manufacturer adheres to NMRA or NEM standards for specific CVs. Meaning if CV1 is the decoder address for Digitrax, it is going to be same same CV for ESU, Viessmann, and Zimo, etc.

Some CVs are for reserved use though, and the manufacturer can use these non-standardized CVs for any non-standardized function they choose. Such as assigning fan operation, or pantograph movement, or a specific lighting configuration for a particular railroad.

If the decoders you have questions about were installed by the factory, then I would look up those locomotives on the manufacturer's web site. If you installed these decoders yourself, I would check the decoder manufacturer's web site.

 

[Mixed Freight]

Decoders used to come with instructions on how to program them. Although it's been maybe 10 years or more since I last purchased any decoders. Maybe nowadays, you have to go to the manufacturers' websites to get the instructions? Or maybe they still come with instructions. Don't know. At any rate, I generally used TCS decoders, NCE Decoders, and Digitrax decoders back then. All 3 always had programming instructions included with every decoder. Admittedly, maybe not a complete rundown of absolutely everything, but enough to get most people by. You could always go to their respective websites for a complete set of programming functions if I needed to. And I rarely needed to, as the included instructions generally had more than enough info. for my needs.

 

[wright]

I'm sorry to hear about your wife's passing.

For programming, you can look up the Configuration Variables, CVs, for each decoder. Some are standard like Michael said, two digit (primary) address is CV1, start voltage is CV2, 3 and 4 are acceleration and deceleration rates respectively, 5 is max voltage and 6 is mid voltage. Usually those are the common ones to get running.

Sound and lighting functions will be particular to a decoder but able to be programmed by any capable DCC system.

Some people use a program called JMRI and a computer interface like SPROG to program decoders. Some decoders have so many CVs (over 1000) it is much easier, once it's set up of course.

 

[steelwheels]

My take on getting back into the digital world. I suggest you buy whatever brand you like and install the decoders they offer. You will have more success and a shorter learning curve. Using matched components has another benefit. If you run into a problem and need to contact the manufacturer, they will be able to assist easily.
Mixing brands is fine, but not suggested for the novice. Example decoders come with wiring instructions not programming.

Pep

 

[Selector]

Every decoder has a programming manual that you can download and keep in a file. Of course, you have to know what manufacturer/brand AND what version. Sometimes things change between versions. However, every modern decoder that purports to comply with NMRA specs, and they pretty much all do, will accept reset instructions via CV8 = '08'. So, on your handheld throttle, enter programming, acquire CV8, and hit 08, press 'Enter'. If receiving signal from the powered rails under it, the loco should bump or beep, or both, at which you must remove track power before any other steps. Then, restore power to the rails and use Add '03' as the default address. From there, you can set a new address and configure all the other most useful CVs.

Decoders that act weirdly or that don't respond should be automatically reset to factory defaults before wasting any more time. Then, with the decoder fully responsive, and the sound system at blast (if it's a sound decoder), I first set the 'Master Volume' to have its engineered/stated max value, and then I change the address (follow the DCC system's manual on that account).

Very sad about your wife. What a change of life!!