Digitrax PR4 Stand Alone Programming Track Issues
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I recently entered the world of JMRI and am having some issues programming decoders.? I have listed as much system information as I can think of, the issue I am having and finally the trouble shooting steps I have taken in rough order.
My system.
DCC System:? Digitrax DC210 command station with a DB210 Booster
Scale: N
Programming:? I have two separate programming tracks, both are isolated from the mainline.? One is connected to the programming connection on the DCS210 and the other is connected to the PR4.? The PR4 and the dedicated programming track are mounted to a small board for mobility.
PR4 Power Supply: Digitrax PS4 70W Universal AC/DC Power Adapter with adjustable output voltage.? Originally I used the Digtrax PS14 300ma, 14 Volt power supply.?
PC:? Windows 10 64 bit, Intel Core i7-2600K CPU? 3.40GHz 3.70 GHz, 16.0 GB RAM
Lap Top PC: Windows 10 64 bit, Intel Core i7-5500U CPU 2.40GHz 2.40 GHz, 16 GB Ram
Programs:? JMRI Decoder Pro 4.12+Rb6a9bb1, Digitrax Sound Loader 2.0
Decoders:? Digitrax DN163K2 (Kato SD 80MAC), Digitrax SDXN146K2 (Kato SD 80MAC), Digitrax DN163KOA (Kato Alco PA-1/ PB-1), SDN144KOA (Kato Alco PA-1), and I have a couple unknown make and model decoders that were pre-installed that I have tried to read.? I have multiples of each decoder that I have tried.
Problem
I have been able to program a couple decoders but have been experiencing the following issues in no obvious order.? Because the issues occur intermittently, I have not been successful in isolating a specific cause.? Problems occur with both read and write actions.
¡¤?????? A new decoder will not acknowledge using the new loco readback.
¡¤?????? Using new loco read back or read all sheets from a roster entry a Previously programmed (using decoder pro) decoder will not acknowledge
¡¤?????? Previously programmed (using decoder pro) decoder will not acknowledge or run on the mainline, as if no connection to the track.
¡¤?????? Previously programmed (using decoder pro) decoder will not acknowledge but will run fine as programmed on the mainline.
¡¤?????? A decoder will acknowledge and accept programing but will stop acknowledging in the middle of write all sheets or write changes on sheets.
¡¤?????? JMRI will indicated that the programmer is not present or is busy when attempting to read or write a decoder.
¡¤?????? JMRI will fail to recognize the PR4 but the device manager shows the device for COM port 4 working correctly.?
¡¤?????? The oddest thing is, all these problems will cease momentarily and a decoder will read and write but these functioning periods are few and far in-between.
¡¤?????? After attempting programming with JMRI via the PR4, the Digitrax DCS210 programming track reads back No AK (No acknowledgment or No Decoder) when I attempt to program a new address.? I did this as part of the trouble shooting just to see if the other programming track would work.? It works, but not with anything that has been on the JRMI and PR4 programming track.
My Trouble Shooting
¡¤?????? I have tried two different PC, both with the same issues listed above.
¡¤?????? I have restarted the PCs several times during trouble shooting.
¡¤?????? I have deleted the PR4 from the device manager and removed JMRI and have re-installed both on both computers with same results more than one time.
¡¤?????? I have cleaned wheels, cleaned contacts, soldiered connections, changed decoders and even have tried to connect the lead wire from the PR4 directly to a decoder¡¯s contacts.
¡¤?????? I have attempted to read two decoders that I previously programed and speed matched successfully using JMRI but neither will acknowledge at this time.
¡¤?????? When attempting some of the above I will sometimes get flashing and clicking of the locomotive as if it were acknowledging and accepting programming but still get an error message that indicates the opposite.
¡¤?????? I have tried input voltages from 14 to 20 using the above listed power supplies.?
¡¤?????? I have multiples of the same decoders and have tried installing new ones and swapping them from loco to loco with no success.
¡¤?????? I have installed the Digtrax Soundloader program, it worked for one decoder but now is unable to see any decoder I place on the programming track.? Sometimes
My conclusion is that something is wrong with the PR4 and it needs sent to Digitrax for testing.? Does anyone have any ideas as to what could be going wrong before I ship this thing off?
I've shared some photos of my setup and screenshots of some errors if anyone would like to view them via Dropbox link
