Hey guys I'm new to this forum so hello to everyone. I have a Kato SD80MAC with an NCE drop in decoder. I bought this used but I had it working briefly and then had to do a recovery from my PowerCab to get it working again. Now the engine works however the headlights don't in either direction when I hit 0 or the headlight button. The lights do flicker when I take the engine on and off the track and did flash every time I went through the program sequence to reprogram it so I know the lights are good. Any idea why they wouldn't be working anymore? Is there something in the programming I can change to get them working again? I am still very new to DCC. thanks a lot!
Is JMRI the computer software? I don't have that. Just the Power Cab but I know how to access and change my CVs with that. What do I need to use JMRI besides the program itself? Not exactly sure how it all works and the cost of it. I don't have my layout up yet by the way, starting it this month so I set up test tracks to test and program my dcc engines.
JMRI is a program developed for programming decoders, and it will show you all of the CV values and definitions. Makes it easier to figure out what is going on. It is free but you do need to get an adapter from your computer to your command station.
Hmm...I don't have a ProCab just the regular PowerCab so it looks lilke I need to buy the USB Adaper in order to utilize JMRI. Something I would love to do when I have my layout at least started and able to run trains. For now though I will just have to check my CV's through the PowerCab and figure out if one is set wrong.
Keep in mind that the settings of some CV is dependent on the setting in other CVs - e.g. long address. CV 29 first then 17 & 18. But your light disappearing sounds like a function CV that is wrong. CV 33 & 34 (https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/360012828133/function_mapping_grid.JPG). Or try a factory reset and then set the required. mfg id 11 - NCE factory reset CV30 to value of 2 cv1= short address, default is 3 cv29= default is 6 which is: short address, factory speed table, 28 steps, dual mode on, cv19 =0 disables consisting