Model Railroading > Kato/Digitrax FP40 (Amtrak 375)

After months of good operation, locomotive has started showing some bad behavior. After a derailment, decoder appears to loose its way. All commands except headlight are non-responsive. CVs display correctly when read back on programming track (Pg mode Digitrax Super Chief) except that CV29 has gone to 38 instead of 50 and CV19 went to 51 instead of 0.

Anyone have same or similar problems?

John

I've had that happen before......I reset CV-8 to 8, then reset your other CVs to the previous settings. I hope that will help.

Do a reset on the decoder, then try it from there.
Sound Bug can be buggy at times, especially the older ones.

I have similar problems with all Digitrax decoders. I have had motor disconect as well as no functioning lights. Talking to Digitrax it is a problem that they can only fix if you send them in to them. JUST THE DECODER OR THEY WILL SEND IT BACK!!!! I have had lots of issues lately with my decoders and Tech support is no help. Call them if you need assistance.

jmj3293 Wrote:
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> I have similar problems with all Digitrax
> decoders. I have had motor disconect as well as no
> functioning lights. Talking to Digitrax it is a
> problem that they can only fix if you send them in
> to them. JUST THE DECODER OR THEY WILL SEND IT
> BACK!!!! I have had lots of issues lately with my
> decoders and Tech support is no help. Call them if
> you need assistance.


Honestly, I've started using TCS for my decoders. I installed a DH163IP the other day in an engine just because I ran out of TCS stock!

Thank you for all of your replies. Looks like I will have to take unit apart and send to decoder to Digitrax. I have tried reseting the decoder, but first short sends makes decoder nonfunctional.

Joh

I tried using the new PR3.NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!

I have one and it works great. Very easy to use and a beautiful design all in one box. Basically a PR2 and MS100 in one package for less money. What is your problem? I use mine everyday with Decoder Pro for programming and Railroad and Co. software for dispatching. Also Digitrax Soundloader software for sound upgrades to Soundbugs.

Bruce

jmj3293 Wrote:
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> I tried using the new PR3.NIGHTMARE!!!!!!!

Are you using this sound decoder? I have 2 and they work fine except every once in a while, the units stop running but sound and lights work. I have to lift them off the tracks to reset them and then they are fine. Also, there is a guy that did upgraded sound files himself for the F40's and they sound very nice.

Bruce

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_sdh104k1ccombo.php

DocJohn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> After months of good operation, locomotive has
> started showing some bad behavior. After a
> derailment, decoder appears to loose its way. All
> commands except headlight are non-responsive. CVs
> display correctly when read back on programming
> track (Pg mode Digitrax Super Chief) except that
> CV29 has gone to 38 instead of 50 and CV19 went to
> 51 instead of 0.
>
> Anyone have same or similar problems?
>
> John

Put it this way. Only three of six decoders accepted the new soundloads. I lost ligts, motor and sound on others. I am sending the decoders back for a look at. The F40PH ones did ok It was the T55 and The AC4400 combos that went bad.