Zephyr DCC power pack

[David_Clark]

The title likely shows how little I know about DCC. I found all sorts of on-line reading on DCC but it still remains a mystery. I have a Forney I bought at an estate sale with a DCC decoder installed. I put it on the track and it works. When I press the "whistle" button, it whistles, when I press the "bell" button it "dings", and it "chuffs" when it moves. It seems like all is well. I don't see the headlamp come on though, should it? I am thinking, "yes". How can I figure it out?

I have a separate programming track that I haven't used because the loco seems to be already working. The power pack came with a LT1 LocoNet Cable & Decoder Test Kit. What is that and do I care?

Can I do anything else with the programmability?

Any info (in English) would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Dave

[desertdrover]

Your LT1 is a diagnostic tester, it test decoders prior to installation, test track power, and test LocoNet cables. It is a good thing to have once you see how to use it, and how useful it can be for you.

For the headlight, did you press the lights on function button on the Zephyr? If still not working, then this is a classic symptom of the speed step settings on the controller not matching the decoder. The decoder ships with speed step setting at 128. I think you or someone, accidentally set it to 14. Try setting CV29 to 06. Refer to section 27.2 on p52 of your Zephyr manual and section 4.4 on p24 of the Decoder Manual.

Yes, You can program using the Zephyr, refer to your owners manual or download one from Digitrax website. Hope all this helps you.

[David_Clark]

See? I didn't even know there was a "lights on" button. I will check later on tonight. Thanks! What is LocoNet?

Cheers,

Dave

[desertdrover]

Dave read about LocoNet meaning here; http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/...App%20Note.pdf

and here; http://www.digitrax.com/support/loconet/home/

Your headlight on/off function is "O" as below picture.

[David_Clark]

Louis, thanks for the info.

Cheers,

Dave

[Railrunner130]

All my DCC stuff is Digitrax. While I like the (for the most part) plug and play of it, they do a horrible job explaining things. The descriptions on all their decoders looks nearly identical, but so far it hasn't mattered.

[David_Clark]

Louis, Lo and behold the little light symbol was right where it was supposed to be, I pressed it and it came on! I took a look at the manual and it is still gobbledy-gook. I felt like Charlie Brown's parents were talking to me. :-) I am a smart guy but without context I am useless. I noticed that you can programme braking, chuff rate, and more but when it reads, "CVxx has a range of 0-255" that really means nothing. I obviously need "Digiitraxx for Dummies" In the long run, it's not a big deal - I have noises and a light and my loco runs.

Thanks for your help and interest.

Dave

[desertdrover]

quote:

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Originally posted by David Clark

Louis, Lo and behold the little light symbol was right where it was supposed to be, I pressed it and it came on! I took a look at the manual and it is still gobbledy-gook. I felt like Charlie Brown's parents were talking to me. :-) I am a smart guy but without context I am useless. I noticed that you can programme braking, chuff rate, and more but when it reads, "CVxx has a range of 0-255" that really means nothing. I obviously need "Digiitraxx for Dummies" In the long run, it's not a big deal - I have noises and a light and my loco runs.

Thanks for your help and interest.

Dave

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Always glad when a member receives the help they need, and I'm always willing to share what I've found or come to know. That's what makes this Forum the best going. All the RR-L folks are willing to share and provide help when needed.

Dave, I'm also glad you returned and posted that the help was useful. Many people never respond back, and leave us trying to help just hanging out there.