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Unable to reset decoder in new Atlas FM H16-44
Fri, 2021-11-05 15:08 — DSteckler
After making some changes using JMRI, I lost the sound in the engine. I tried resetting the decoder, both through the NCE PowerCab itself and through the ESU LokProgrammer. Neither is resetting the decoder.
Using the NCE I select Programming Track, set CV 8 to 8, escaped out, and then take the engine off the track for 10 seconds. Put the engine back on the track and it won't respond to 3, only the four-digit engine number I previously programmed in. Same thing happens when using the ESU LokProgrammer.
Any suggestions on how to reset the decoder or do I need to send this back to Atlas?
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Try
programming it then tipping it or taking it off the rails for 15 seconds, then see if the changes take. Does it run well on the program track? Dirty wheels will prevent programming. If that doesn’t work and it should probably go back. If you know someone with the decoder tester, the decoder could be isolated and returned to ESU in Pennsylvania for a replacement.
Nick
https://nixtrainz.com/ Home of the Decoder Buddy
Full disclosure: I am the inventor of the Decoder Buddy and I sell it via the link above.
What I tried
Nick, out of the box it ran and sounded find. I made some decoder changes with JMRI and lost the sound. Did a decoder reset and the sound came back. Again made some decoder changes with JMRI and again lost the sound. This time, the decoder won't reset. I tried resetting with my NCE Power Cab and that didn't work. Also tried resetting using a LokProgrammer and that didn't work, either. I took the engine off the rails both times for 30 seconds after resetting.
What decoder brand?
What decoder brand is in the loco? I ask because different brands of decoders have different reset steps.
Joe Fugate
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine
Read my blog
Joe, it's an ESU LokSound 5.
Joe, it's an ESU LokSound 5. I followed the reset decoder directions that came with the engine. What's maddening is that it reset just fine a few days ago and now won't reset at all.
Try this
IF the locomotive responds to its programmed address, try resetting it under main track power in "ops" mode. Being a sound unit, sometime they need a bit more oomph to overcome the extra power requirements. As I said this MAY work.
One more thing. Perform the reset several times in a row then take to loco of the track for at least an hour. Ask me how I know this!
Does this have a built in KA?
Nelson Beaudry
Kennebec, Penobscot and Northern RR Co.
Still no joy
Nelson, there engine has no Keep Alive. I tried resetting via programming on the main and the result was the same - no reset.
No shuffle
After I set CV8 to 8, the engine does not shuffle. It seems that it's not reading the reset command. I can run the engine without sound so it is responding to the command station.
Lets try this
We need to eliminate your system as the issue. Attempt to reset a different decoder if you have one. Any brand will do. This is to confirm that your DCC system is functioning. IF you can reset a different decoder then the issue will be with your Loksound decoder and NOT your DCC system.
Process of elimination.
Nelson Beaudry
Kennebec, Penobscot and Northern RR Co.
Do you have a LokProgrammer?
I ask if you have a LokProgrammer because it will talk directly to the decoder. If the decoder isn’t behaving right, you could determine that in short order. Also you will have a saved off locomotive settings file and you can do a total reload as part of the process of restoring the decoder back to working order.
I’ve had a decoder go wonky on me and using the LokProgrammer has saved me every time.
Same with DevoderPro. Saving off the loco settings can save you when a decoder loses its mables.
Joe Fugate
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine
Read my blog