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Used Decoder Pro to change two Athearn GP38-2 locos from address "03" to their four digit road numbers.? However, on both locos the sound was removed but the locos operated with lights. Soundtraxx advised doing a factory reset (CV8=8) on my DCC (Digitrax) layout.? They suggested that JMRI Decoder Pro can sometimes change unwanted CV's.? Following their advice both locos returned to normal with full sound effects. I have not had this problem before with a variety of sound equipped locos. What am I doing wrong?

My JMRI set up is -- Windows 10, latest versions of both Java & JMRI, dedicated separate programming track, Digitrax PR3 with 18 V 1.5 AMP wall wart.

Thank you, Charles Millar

This is an issue with the Digitrax PR3 and not JMRI.
Below is from the JMRI website

Using the PR3 programming track to program Non-Digitrax Decoders
To implement that "neutral mode" described above, the PR3 automatically writes CV128 to 0 or 1. This happens when a JMRI throttle is used to run the locomotive on the PR3 programming track, and there's nothing JMRI can do to prevent it. Unfortunately, this can interfere with the CV programming on some non-Digitrax decoders. For example, it will set the "Master Volume" CV128 on some SoundTraxx decoders to a very low volume.

If you are using the PR3 with a decoder that uses CV128 for something, you should either not use a JMRI throttle to run the locomotive on the PR3 programming track, or remember to rewrite CV128 with the right value just before removing the locomotive from the track.

--
Peter Ulvestad

JMRI Users Group Moderator - ( )
Tam Valley Group Moderator - ( )
Sprog-DCC Group Moderator - ( )
Edmonton Model Railroad Association -

Hello,

My question is new, but fits the subject line.? I'm new to this group, JMRI, DCC++ and DCC.? JMRI is successfully seeing the Arduino and I'm able to turn the decoder startup sequence on and off, reset values.? The only values I've tried to adjust are the Long Address(reset value from 3 to 33) and the Master Volume Control.? These seem to have saved properly.? I didn't want to change anything more exotic than that before proceeding.

When I open a throttle instance and associate it to the decoder(directly connected to the output, not yet installed in a loco), the only control that works is to be able to start and stop the decoder sounds(same in DecoderPro).? The decoder just runs the idle sequence.? All values predefined on the decoder are reflected in the throttle instance, such as Bell, Horn, Short Horn, etc., but the decoder does not respond to the simple commands, such as Bell, Horn, etc. Also when adjusting the throttle, the sound pitch does not change. I'm not sure if this is enough information to go on, but any help would be greatly appreciated.?

Here is what I'm running:

• JMRI-Windows 10 with associated throttle.
• Arduino DCC++
• Tsunami2 TSU-PNP
• 12v wall wart power supply for the track voltage

Thank you,
Russ

I think I can see what you've done wrong. As the decoder is not installed in a loco, it can't sense the feedback from the motor, so it stays at idle. A lot of decoders warn about setting up when not installed in a loco as there is no load. I would suggest putting the decoder in the loco you want to use it in, then re-program it. You will probably then find that you get the correct sounds for any condition.
I don't have many sound decoders, but the sound does change as the loco changes speed, climbs hills or coasts down slopes.

Russ,

Always start a new topic for a new problem. Do not piggy back on another topic.
Your question is not the same as it is different equipment.and a different problem.

--
Peter Ulvestad

JMRI Users Group Moderator - ( )
Tam Valley Group Moderator - ( )
Sprog-DCC Group Moderator - ( )
Edmonton Model Railroad Association -

Russ, if no motor, the programming attempts certainly did not take.?

What you are hearing is power applied to track turns on the sound but no function control, no motion control.? Indicates you are not on proper address
or the speed step rare is wrong between DCC++ and the decoder (14, 28, 128).

work around : attache a motor to the decoder motor outputs to provide a load.

Marc

Thank you for all of the replies.? I've hooked a motor up to the decoder(leads to my loco motor connections).? I'm able to control the volume levels now.? The odd thing is that when I write the sheet to reprogram the decoder, even though the volume levels do actually change, I receive a 308 - No acknowledgement from locomotive message, even when the volume definitely changes.? Whatever the culprit for this error is, is probably the same culprit for the throttle still not being able to work.

Another odd thing that happens is that after receiving the 308 message, I tried shutting down the JMRI(Decoder Plus, Programming screen and Thottle.? Once I did this, the 308 message stopped.? When I wrote changes on sheet, it seemed to happen instantaneously, but the volume levels didn't actually change.? I've also tried resetting all values to default and get the same odd results.

Is there an exact sequence that I should be starting component?? I usually first power up the the arduino(plug in USB), no indicator lights show initially.? Then Decoder Pro, which initially will say "Unknown Programming Mode" with the on/off button yellow.? I click once and it goes Red/Off, then click again and it goes Green/On and the motor shield lights up all four LED's and the idle sound sequence fires up.

TIA for all of the assistance, I appreciate it.

I have since installed the decoder into the loco(older Genesis SD75I) and am still experiencing the same issues.? The unit is on the test track and even though the sound level adjustments actually save, I get a 308.? Being that this is both my first time at JMRI and DCC, I've verified the jumpers, power connections, etc. one more time.? The only obvious variance in implementation is the use of non-Arduino branded boards.? Is that a possible culprit?? I've seen videos of the Derek-Robot Motor Shield used before for DCC with no problems.? I also ran the initial Arduino Serial Monitor checks through the IDE before firing up JMRI and corresponding indicator lights blink, etc.

I'm stumped. :)

Are you on test track ???? Test track would mean OPS mode programming.. There is no READ or ACK possible while in OPS (on main). They do a blind write.
This is different than a program track. You can not RUN an engine on a program track (with v3ery few exceptions)

Marc

Thanks Marc, that describes some of what I'm seeing.? The blind write sounds is what is happening, with the 308 message and the behavior that I experienced.

Based on that, just to see the engine move, here's what I did and am still am not able to get out of idle mode/unable to control anything with the throttle.? I have the track connected now to the Main track output.? I've been starting up JMRI by first starting Decoder Pro and instantiating a throttle from there.? Is there some kind of mode or settings that I might need to reset in Decoder Pro to get the throttle instance to work?? As I've mentioned in a prior post, the throttle does display the default names of the functions in the buttons (ie. Bell, Horn, Short Horn, etc. vs F1, F2, etc.). Based on this, I'm guessing that this represents some level of communication with the decoder (my assumption).? I know from experience that changing the decoder from "Programming Track", "Programming On Main" and "Edit Only" has no effect, I only can turn the idle sounds on/off from the throttle.? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Mick,

• JMRI-Windows 10 with associated throttle.
• Arduino DCC++
• Tsunami2 TSU-PNP
• 12v wall wart power supply for the track voltage

So it is TSU2

Russ,? the functions descriptions (Bell, Horn..) you see in throttle are simply defined in the Definition files and taken from your roster entry. They are not
based on any 2 way communication..

Check PREFERENCES, DEFAULTS.. the setting for throttle must be on DCC++ and not on Internals.. This error was very common in older versions of JMRI

Marc

Thanks Mick and Marc.? I thought I replied earlier, but might have accidentally hit Discard instead of Reply.? I checked PREFERENCES->DEFAULTS and all checked items were in the DCC++ row, all items were checked.? For good measure, I redownloaded all software - JMRI and DCC++.? Nothing has changed.? I will be borrowing an MRC DCC controller to validated that my decoder is functioning properly, will post results.? But as of now, no changes in the JMRI/DCC++ results.??

Russ

Good news, the throttle is working now.? After going thru the wiring, found a bad wire for the main coming out of the shield.? I don't have a layout, so I'm just using a section of flex track.? Found the problem when I was adding a DPDT to the track output.? However, I'm still getting the 308 when writing to sheet on both the programming track and the main(programming on main).? I've ventured out from just adjusting main volume settings and have been able to change the horn to Oh Canada!? The changes are saving to the decoder, but I'm still getting the 308 error.? I haven't tried connecting the cab and lights yet and checking lighting related functions, but I'm guessing that if I can change horns and volume, these should respond similarly.? I'll be finding out shortly.? Some of the problems stemmed from not fully understanding the difference in functionality between Programming Track and Programming on Main.

Anyway, just wanted to check if there's anything that can be done for the 308 error or I should just live with it for now.

Thanks,
Russ

Russ,

On 23 Nov 2019, at 5:04 PM, Russ Tom <russ.a3@...> wrote:

Anyway, just wanted to check if there's anything that can be done for the 308 error or I should just live with it for now.

Go to Preferences->Roster->Programmer make the following changes:
- Uncheck Confirm Writes by a Read.
- Recommend you uncheck Cache CV values for indexed Writes (since you aren't confirming).
- Recommend you check Show CV numbers in tooltips.

Dave in Australia

First, I am not a DCC++ users.

I did some internet digging re the error and found a similar case. The shield needs to have a "current sense circuit" to it and some shields do not have one.
That or the pin/wire for the "current sense pin" is not attached.? JMRI waits for the feed back from the DCC++ system with the success or fail report from the
DCC++ base station.? A '-1 ' value is returned and JMRI throws the 308 error.? -0 indicates the "current sense " was seen.

You probably have to go back thru your DCC++ code and find the define motor_shield_type and confirm it is right.

IF you see the engine nudge forward, then the ACK pulse is being sent by the engine. Your DCC++ setup is simply not reading or is not looking for the ACK pulse.? Then it is not a JMRI issue.

Marc

Thank you Dave and Marc.? Somehow some of my replies aren't coming through on this forum.? I've made the changes to Preferences.? The Tool Tips are helpful.? Unfortunately, I'm still getting the 308.? I'm definitely not getting any nudge/ACK pulse.? I have a question in to Soundtraxx for another reason.? I'll ask about the ACK from the Tsunami 2 when I get a reply.

Since this is my first adventure with DCC, it's really good to have this forum.? Through this adventure, my test track(the only track/layout I have for now) has evolved into something similar to what they have at Railmaster Hobbies(but only 3 feet long), switchable from DC to DCC and Program to Main.

I'll post what I hear from Soundtraxx.? Hopefully it'll save somebody some time.

Another item that might be affecting the ACK pulse is the use of a 12V power supply (your wallwart). 12V could be at lower limit power, programming wise .

With the Digitrax PR3 we were adding higher output power supplies to the PR3. As high as 18V.? Digitrax had provided a 12V power supply with the original PR3 and it was soon discovered this was insufficant to the task and they replaced the 12V power with the 14V they still offer to this day.?

Your 12V power supply may not be regulated and drop below it's 12V spec level.

My suggestion is to take your engine to a friend or CLUB and ask them to read values from decoder to see if the ACK pulse is present.

Marc

Someone once stated the TSU2 and ECO would alternate a pulse forward/backward to remain at same spot during programming in Service mode,. ?

The decoder must issue a pulse (ACK) , might not move the engine but it still issues an ACK that is picked up by the programming device in Service mode,

His DCC++ system seems to be completing the task but it always ends with a 308 error.? What surprises is the fact it is looking for an ACK on the MAIN also,
it throws a 308 error.

Marc?