NCE Power Pro Cab Address Stays On At Start Up And No Commands Can Be Accessed

I've had my NCE Radio Controlled Power Pro since 2008.(Over seven years) Recently I started up the NCE command station and the NCE Pro Cab Address on the hand held Cab remained on during start. I couldn't get to the command which would upload or select a locomotive. At this point the entire system was useless as I couldn't access any functions.

I did some research  and found that this was a common issue with the NCE Power Pro. The reason for the Mal-function was that one of the boards in the command station had loosened up. The supposed solution was to " Open the command station and reseat the top board on the right hand side of the command station. Make sure the power is turned off. be sure that you line up the pins correctly when reseating the board". I tried this several times to no avail.


From Mark Gurries website I obtained the following information about problems with the NCE Power Pro DCC Command Station:

NCE Bugs & Problems

The NCE is a complicated product to make.  Below is a list of known problems and solutions that are very VISIBLE problems that come up.  This list offers advice on how to solve these type of problem. 1) NCE PowerPro System or CS02 Command Station.  (PowerPro has a CS02 command station inside.) Problem Software Version Problem Detials Solution All Cabs do not work.  Both plug-in and radio.Small cabs cannot do anything. ProCab screen does not show normal locomotive control display.  Screen stays stuck at cab address screen. Any The command station's top PCB board has popped out of it correct position causing loss of communication with all cabs/throttles. History NCE knows about this problem. It is a very old problem.  When NCE figured out the problem, it immediately changed current production units to have a long rectangular block of insulated material (material varies) that lays unsecured on top of the PCB of the board.  It is positioned above the connector in the back such that when the cover goes on, the material's thickness will hold down the PCB at the correct angle preventing it from popping lose again. NOT ALL NCE POWERPRO AND CS02 COMMAND STATIONS GOT THIS FIX.  Units made before the above fix was installed at the factory often fail after the command station is physically moved by the owner/user.  It has even failed right out of the box when purchased new.  Why? Movement during shipping new units to the dealer caused the board to pop out of position. Re-seat the PowerPro/CS02 control board inside command station.Open up the case.  The command station is on the right half side of the box.  It consist of two PCB boards with one stacked on top of the other.  The problem is the top PCB board has lost contact with the bottom PCB board.  The two connect to each other with a tall multi-pin connector located at the back of PCB board.  When you first open the case, every thing will LOOK just fine.   HOWEVER, CONTRARY to what you might think, the top board is NOT positioned correctly if its in a flat horizontal position.   Proper installation has the PCB SLOPING DOWN FROM FRONT TO BACK at an angle. CORRECTIVE ACTION: You must push down on the back end of the top PCB board to restore the sloping angle to get the connector to work again. 2) Any NCE Radio System Problem Software Version Problem Details Solution All Radio Cabs Stopped Working.  Plug-in cabs still work. Any Radio Base Station Radio Base Station (RB01, RB02) has had it's Layout ID changed to a non zero value.  Although rare, this can happen randomly if you have older radio base stations.  This includes old RB02's which have received the V2.1 software upgraded.  Only brand new production RB02's shipped from the factory with V2.1 software have the Layout ID feature removed. Follow the procedure in the RB01/RB02 manual on how to set the Layout ID.  You want to set the value back to zero. A given Radio Cab has stopped working in radio mode. Any Radio Cab Cab has had it Layout ID changed to a none zero number.   This can happen randomly.  Almost unheard of on a non ProCab throttle.   However, on a ProCab it can be done by anyone who "accidentally" finds his way into the radio setup menu. ProCab: Follow the procedure in the ProCab Radio manual on how to set the Layout ID.  You want to go to setup option #2 and set the Layout ID value to zero. Engineering Cab:  The solution concept here is to use a ProCab to fix the Engineering Cab's radio board.  1) Temporarily swap the radio board with the version in the Procab but do so without removing the original ProCab radio board.  You just want swap the connections by moving the battery and the main connector to the radio board in question.  2) Power up in radio mode and use the ProCab to correct the layout ID per the ProCab procedure.  3) When completed, reverse Step 1.  Put the corrected radio board back into the orginal engineering cab and then restore the Procab's radio board connections back to normal. Cannot get radio ProCab to display function status when using the EXPN button. Any Radio ProCab This is a known incompatibility issue when using the radio.   Why? The radio unit takes over the EXPN button when the radio is active to allow you to access its setup menu.  The function returns when you have plugged in the same throttle into a cab jack (UTP) panel which disables the radio. No fix for any forcible future given how the radio unit works. 3) Standard Cab Throttles Problem Software Version Problem Details Solution Cab06 does not display locomotive addresses correctly. Any PowerPro System Cab06's LED display does not show any locomotive addresses correctly above 4095.  Cab 06 is unique in that it is first cab to uses a PowerPro command station feature in that it was never tested before until now. Upgrade PowerPro system to 2007C software.  A brand new Cab06 comes from the factory with the upgrade chip included in the Cab06 box.  You must install the new chip replacing the existing one.  Warning.  You can potentially lose all recalls, settings, consist and macro information with the upgrade.  Backup your command station memory using JMRI or manually record your important consist and macros for re-entry. 4) PowerCab operating in PowerCab mode Problem Software Version Problem Details Solution Lost Bell Function. 1.65 Exiting Programming Track mode temporary causes the loss of Bell Button function.   Activating the headlight may also turn the bell.  This is not a decoder problem.  Correcting the function assignment on PowerCab does not fix problem. Restart Power Cab.  Cycle the power off and then back on.  Bell function will be restored. Lost Ampmeter Function. 1.65 Exiting Programming Track mode causes the loss of Ampmeter function.  Correcting the Ampmeter setting on PowerCab does not fix problem. Restart Power Cab.  Cycle the power off and then back on.  Ampmeter function will be restored. Lost Recall function.  Stuck at 1. 1.65 Exiting Programming Track mode temporarily causes the loss of recall function.  (Recall = 1)  Correcting the Recall setting on PowerCab does not fix problem. Restart Power Cab.  Cycle the power off and then back on.  Both recall function setting and locomotive numbers in recall will be restored. Created 11/28/14 Updated 7/20/15 My problem was limited to the first problem on the list. I followed the above directions explicitly and still couldn't get the Pro Cab to function properly. I then decided that the board in the command station had become compromised. I then called NCE and the tech told me to send the entire system into NCE for evaluation. He had no easy fix for me. I then decided not to send the system to NCE for evaluation. First the entire command station is at least seven years old. The cost of shipping the system to NCE and back to me in Frisco with insurance is a fairly hefty price. The tech couldn't give me the cost of evaluating the command station. Then I had to consider the additional cost of replacing a one or both boards in the command station.  I then decided to buy a new NCE Power Pro Command Station without the handheld device ($274 plus shipping charges)worked out to less than my shipping the original seven year old command station to NCE  for evaluation and tentative repair. The new command station works fine with my two original hand held cabs that wouldn't function with the original damaged command station.  If need be, I'll use the old command station for parts if I need them. Hope this helps if you own a NCE command station and the Cab mal-functions. It isn't the cab, its the boards in the command station, BTW, I have over load protection on my layout and still can't understand how this board mal-function occurred. One most remember however, that electronic parts do mal-function at times for unknown reasons.

 

What Trucks To Use With Couplers

Encyclopedia Of N-Scale Trucks (North American Prototypes) From Mark Spookshows Website


http://www.spookshow.net/trucks/trucks.php

Looking For Non-Nylon OEM Replacement Gears For Your Samhongsa Brass Diesel?

Below is a replacement chart for gears of Samhongsa brass diesel locomotives. This chart was created by Gene Maddox and contains quite a lot of good information and can be found on Mark's website below.  Have fun with it.

http://www.spookshow.net/brass.html

It's Been Awhile.......

It's been awhile since I last posted on my blog. All is well here and I'll be adding some new posts in the days ahead. My layout is progressing slowly after completing almost 100% of the basic scenery. The "new" JJJ&E is well into its seventh year of operation. I am busy adding details to the many scenes on the layout. This all takes time, and as you get older, completed projects occur at a slower rate. One of the main projects I completed some time ago was adding rock work behind the 24 stall Roundhouse. This took time to complete as the rock work had to be completely weathered. The rock work is located in the 50 inch turnaround area behind the Roundhouse. I also had to build a backdrop for the rock work to rest against. The backdrop followed the natural curve of the bench work at that end of the layout.. I also have to add more vegetation that is growing in the crevices of the finished rock work. I'll take some photo's of the finished scene in several days. The view of the rock work will be seen from the diesel service yard at the opposite end of the Switching Yard.

Stay cool and run steam..... PSG1790

DCC Default Decoder Reset Values

Published in Train Talk, the newsletter of the Daring Downs Model Rwy Club, Queensland Division, AR
Website: http://http://www.ddmrc.com.au/
DCC Decoder Default Resets
Ted Freeman
A not uncommon problem with mobile DCC decoders is losing settings as occurs at times when a short circuit is experienced on the track feed, or making mistakes when changing CV’s (Configuration Variables). The best way to overcome a problem such as this is to reset the decoder to its default factory settings and start over (if you are using JMRI or some such, keep records of settings).
Many decoders returned for repair could have been reset to factory settings.
Since the factory reset is not in the NMRA DCC standards or recommended practices, each manufacturer can do their own thing. If you do not know the manufacturer of your decoder, you can try reading CV8 on the program track. This is a read only CV that has the manufacturer’s ID number (numbers are shown in decimal)
Listed here are the most common Decoder ID’s and reset procedures. For other decoders check the manual for CV and value used to reset to factory settings. All these decoders do support Ops Mode programming and can be reset on the mainline assuming you have control of the address.
If you do not have control of the address use the program track.



Manufacturer                                         ID #  In CV8                                 CV Value for reset                                                                             

Lenz                                                        99                                                  CV8 = 33

NCE                                                        11                                                  CV30 = 2

Digitrax                                                   12                                                  CV8 = 8

LokSound (ESU)                                     15                                                  CV8 = 8

Train Control System                             153                                                  CV8 = 8 or CV30 = 2

SoundTraxx: DSDLC, DSXTsunami    1141                                                 CV 30 = 2 CV8= 8

MRC (New)                                           2143                                                 CV125 = 1

QSI 11131 Generally requires PowerPax, Programming Track Booster2 Generally is not reliable in Read-Back
To Reset a Decoder
Start by determining the decoder manufacturer.
On the program track read CV 8.
Published in Train Talk, the newsletter of the Daring Downs Model Rwy Club, Queensland Division, AR
Website: http://http://www.ddmrc.com.au/
Compare the number with the above chart for the ID (if you have a QSI decoder [ID 113]
Then write to the matching CV the value as shown in the chart (writing a number to CV 8 will not change the value in CV8 when you read it back). When resetting the decoder, it may respond by flashing the lights or tooting the horn. Resetting a decoder will change the address back to the default of 3.
Try the decoder on the main line using address 3 to be sure everything is okay. Then you can start your programming.
Resetting QSI Decoders to factory default
The Broadway, Atlas, and Lifelike equipped with QSI (ID 113) DCC sound engines
use a different reset procedure. Check the manual that came with the engine.
Some use a magnetic “wand” for the reset. If there is no “wand” then open the engine
or access hatch and find the reset jumper. Remove the jumper and restore the track power.
There will be an audible acknowledgment from the engine at the end of the reset
sequence (usually 3 toots of the whistle/horn). Replace the jumper and test out using address 3.
If a “wand” is present, locate the internal reset reed switch and place the “wand” over
it for a moment. When track power is restored the engine will go through its reset
procedure and let you know when done.
To find the internal reset (reed) switch, place the engine on active track. Slowly move
the “wand” over the top of the engine or tender until the engine alerts you, audibly responds, by a message.
QSI also has a user software reset using the following multi step procedure:
(1) Place engine on main track if it is still responding to its address. If not responding you may need to use the program track.
(2) Set CV49 to 128
(3) Set CV50 to 255
(4) Set CV56 to 113
As the decoder in the engine resets you will hear an audible response, 3 toots or it may talk to you.
Test the locomotive using address 3.
You can then go ahead and set the loco number as you desire and/or reprogram other CV’s. An irritating part with the QSI decoders is that when they do get corrupted by a short, the locomotive affected can be very erratic in operation, resetting to default will put you back in control of its performance.
In this day of instant gratification, the Internet can provide many answers and/or suggestions

Hard Wiring A UP FEF #844 Steam Locomotive Using The Original Light Board

I have two UP FEF #844 steam locomotives. The first #844 was hardwired with a ESU Lok-Sound Micro Version 4 decoder with two Zimo cube speakers. This FEF runs and sounds beautifully as the ESU Lok_Sound Micro decoder has outstanding motor and sound functions.

The second UP FEF #844 I purchased with a factory installed TCS K6D4 decoder. Unfortunately, the UP FEF has issues at very slow speeds.

TCS has offered to reprogram these K6D4 decoders if they are returned to the TCS factory. Due to the large train show in Springfield Massachusetts on January 25 and 26th, any decoders sent back to TCS will not be returned to users until late February to early March 2015 as I was told when I called TCS yesterday.

If by chance, you decide to order a new TCS K6D4 decoder on their website, you will receive the original version of this decoder and not the new re-programmed decoder.  According to TCS, they haven't completely figured out the fix for the K6D4 decoder. I was also told not to change any of the CV's on the original K6D4 decoder. You, as a consumer cannot fix this decoder.

In any event, I decided to hard wire a decoder to the original light board of the UP FEF. When I received the factory installed TCS K6D4 decoder in the UP FEF, Kobo didn't include the original light board of the locomotive which was removed when they installed the TCS K6D4 decoder in the locomotive..

I then decided to order an original light board from the Kato parts department and I should receive it in the next few days. The cost of the light board is $5 plus shipping.

Meanwhile in late December of 2014, a member of RW forum published a diagram for hard wiring a decoder to the light board. It is listed below. If you carefully follow the diagrams you'll be able to hard wire a decoder in this locomotive. I'll be using a small Zimo N scale MX621 miniature Lok decoder which is tiny and should fit in a space behind the original light board. I'll be soldering the wiring to this light board on my work bench and then install the finished product into the UP FEF.

John Columbo of the RW and TB forums recommended using this decoder in the UP FEF as it has outstanding motor functions and performs well with the UP FEF's new coreless motor. It's small size allows you to easily slip the decoder in place in the locomotive with no adjustments to the locomotive frame.

In this FEF I'll be installing a Soundtraxx Heavy Steam decoder made for the UP FEF in the tender with several Zimo cube speakers. This is what is called a "two decoder" approach. Only the sound functions of the Soundtraxx decoder will be used .

I've used this "two decoder" approach in all of my previous Soundtraxx decoder installations. In those installations I used a Lenz mini silver decoder for motor functions as the Soundtraxx decoders' motor functions are poor at best. The Soundtraxx decoder was used for sound functions only. It's an added cost, but the "two decoder" approach is worth the added cost and effort.

How To Remove A Number, Logo Or Lettering From A Locomotive Or Rolling Stock

Removing lettering, numbers, or logos from a locomotive or rolling stock can be a challenging proposition. The video below makes  removing numbers, letters or logos from N scale equipment an easy technique. This technique can also be used in other scales as well. This video and technique comes from the ATHEARN Facebook page.

Below is the link for this video.


https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152936814060041