Got a number of TCS decoders (about 16) installed in Atlas and Kato locomotives. Burned out a few during installation but TCS honored their "goof proof" warranty and replaced them (Thank You TCS). So I got all installed and working but noticed that I could not read the decoder settings with my MRC Prodigy system. But the decoders worked. Then I got brave and decided to change the decoder addresses from the default 03 to a four digit address and then arrange the 16 locomotives into eight separate two engine consists. That's when the problems arose. I tried everything from clearing the consists to resetting the decoder back to its default settings. Nothing works. Out of the sixteen locomotives I have only one that responds. On about half of the engines the headlight lights but I cannot turn it off. I was going to get a MRC 'Decoder Doctor' but I have since learned that it will not read TCS decoders either so nix that idea. I wanted to try the locomotives on another system other than MRC to see if the decoders can be read. So far I have not been able to contact the local MRR club's DCC guru to arrange it. Failing that I will contact TCS. The MRC system seems okay as I have two locomotives that I did not try to place into a consist and they seem to be okay. I'm thinking the problem lies in the decoders and it was something I did while consisting the locomotives that caused the problem but I have no idea what it could be. Any suggestions?
I have had no problems reading TCS decoders with my NCE system. I think I would find someone with a NCE or Digitrax system and try to get read backs from the programming track.
That is my next step, I contacted TCS who recommended placing the locomotives on the program track and resetting CV #1 to a value of three. But that did not work. I am also suspecting there is something wrong with my MRC system. When I turn on the handheld and set it to main track it automatically indicates a speed of 4 and the headlight on. This is on the handheld with no locomotive on the track. Does it every time I turn it on.In addition I have a MRC/Model Power DCC w/sound Mikado that I can not read the decoder nor will it operate. I would think a properly functioning MRC system should be able to read a MRC decoder.
I don't know if MRC works with JMRI or not. If it does, you might be able to look into the command station and spot a problem there that you wouldn't think of otherwise.
So I took the engines down to the club and they were gracious enough to use their Digitrax system to set things right. I was able to not only read the decoder settings but also reset everything back to factory default settings. With 16 decoders involved that was a big relief. So we will try programming four digit addresses again only this time with an NCE Power Cab so I can read the decoder settings.
I have had issues with TCS decoders getting scrambled so that only a full reset put them back in shape. I have had them go nuts when there have been power glitches, and during programming custom speed tables. It's not you. It's not your DCC system. It's the decoders. Greg
Continuing with my story of the TCS decoders, I was able, using an NCE power Cab to reset the decoders to a four digit address. Along the way I found out that two of the decoders were not TCS but rather Digitrax (manufacturer #129). But I never ordered any Digitrax decoders, all decoders I ordered were TCS. So someone pulled a switcheroo on me. The problem was with my MRC Prodigy system. Using it I could not read the decoders but the NCE system had no problems.
