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Frequent poster 820 posts David Calhoun Frequent poster 820 posts
David Calhoun

Need some advice on what and how to check an engine that was running but now is not. I have a DCC Atlas S-4 on my layout which shows power (light is on) but no movement and no reaction to throttle input including trying to shut the light off.

Engine was running fine several weeks ago but has been sitting for 2 weeks. Tried using a different throttle; no results. Tried moving the engine to a known straight track with power for other engines - no response. Tried cleaning wheels and checking pickups - no response.

I do have a programming track isolated from the layout but am not sure what to check to solve the problem. Advice please - thanks.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate
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Chris Ellis Regular poster 136 posts
Chris Ellis

In a consist?

Was it previously consisted with another unit? Check CV19 and if its anything other than 0 set it to zero.

 

Chris Ellis

http://adenarailroad.blogspot.com/
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jmt99atsf Super User 756 posts
jmt99atsf

My Recommendations

David,

I am not an expert in DCC by any means but I have found that some decoders sometimes forget their programming when they sit for a long time (some of my Digitrax decoders do that). Also, was that engine possibly on the tracks when you did some Ops programming (not on your programming track) for another engine? If so, then it might have been accidentally re-programmed to another address. Has the engine been dropped or significantly bumped and the decoder moved or a wire came loose? 

Since it was running okay earlier, I would recommend putting it back on the programming track and checking what address is programmed in it & then just run through another programming of that engine. If thIs is a factory installed decoder? If so, is it still in warranty?  You might want to talk to Atlas support if re-programming does not get it working again. 

John
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George Sinos gsinos Prolific poster 1,170 posts
George Sinos gsinos

A couple of other things to

A couple of other things to check -

Are the brakes set? 

If this is an ESU decoder with Full Throttle - is FT engaged?

Check the data sheet for the appropriate function keys.

gs
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Chris Palermo patentwriter Frequent poster 981 posts
Chris Palermo patentwriter

...

1. On the programming track, follow the instructions of your DCC system to read the decoder manufacturer type value.

2. Using the manufacturer value, look up the proper decoder reset sequence from this list.

https://dccwiki.com/Decoder_reset#Digitrax

You can find other similar lists by searching “DCC decoder factory reset” with an internet search engine.

3. Program the reset sequence.

4. Test the loco on normal track.

5. Let us know if this worked.
At Large North America Director, 2024-2027 - National Model Railroad Association, Inc.
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wcrails Regular poster 439 posts
wcrails

If it is an Atlas, with their

If it is an Atlas, with their dual mode decoder,  Set a value of 33 to CV8, then do a power reset.  This will reset decoder to factory settings.  If your DCC system doesn't do the automatic shut down and restart, like Digitrax does, than you need to tip the loco so the wheels on one side are off the track, then set it back down again.

I have a couple of them, I've had to do this.

Here's their dual mode manual:

http://download.atlasrr.com/DCC/New%20HO%204-Function%20Manual%20Atlas.pdf

Mike.

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/bluecollar3
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David Calhoun Frequent poster 820 posts
David Calhoun

Rethinking

Ok guys, thanks for the tips. Will try starting at my programming track.

Some facts: Engine sat for two weeks after running fine. NO programming done on main - always on programming track. Older S-4 with decoder installed by professional at our club.Has run for several years just fine. Curious that light is on indicating power. 

Will keep everyone posted.

Chief Operating Officer

The Greater Nickel Plate
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Prof_Klyzlr Moderator 7,961 posts
Prof_Klyzlr

Light = power

Dear Dave, All that light means is that there is _some_ power getting _somewhere_, not that "all is OK upstream". I just spent some hours trying to work out why a headlight in a freshly-decodered Shay would not turn OFF on-command. Turns out, I had a sneak-path in the install which meant "headlight always on", even though the decoder was not getting everything it needed to be considered "fully operational". Divide and conquer, the "decoder 101" basics will lead you home... Happy modelling, Aim to Improve, Prof Klyzlr
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