DCC++ Arduino Uno JMRI issues

I'm new to model railroads and Arduino. I'm not a programmer and I'm a little over my head with all this.
I've got a generic Arduino Uno, and a Flashtree motor shield for the uno. I'm running JMRI 4.18.0 and I've got an n scale Atlas locomotive with an XL systems (MRC) decoder with sound. The DCC++ arduino sketch is from 2016. I've also got a 14V power supply. The first indication that things might not be going well was JMRI didn't read my decoder type and suggested it was an HO type. I found what I thought was the right one acording to the model number on my documentation that came with the decoder and selected it. I am able to read and write CV parameters from the Single CV Programer window in JMRI except for reset to defaults (CV 125) where I get a 308 error. I am able to read all sheets as well, and I see the locomotive move slightly while it's doing it. When I check the CV values from the Single CV programmer I can see that they have changed to what I write, but when I bring up the throttle in decoder pro and select my locomotive nothing happens. One thing I did change in the DCC++ sketch was to increase the max current from 350 to 700 after a couple of hours trying to get this running.

Any Ideas what could be the issue? Again, I'm not a programmer and don't really understand what I'm doing. I did try to send an email to XL systems for some trouble shooting advice but haven't heard back.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

Rakesh

 

Did you move The Loco to the Main track before trying to run it? Or are you trying to run on the Programing track? DCC++ will not run on the grograming track.
Later Richard

 

Thanks Richard, I tried running it on the programming track. Will try on the main. Update- well the lights and sounds are going but it's not moving. A huge step forward though.

 

Let us know if it works. There are plenty of us playing with DCC++ to help out.

 

I really appreciate that. Thanks

 

Thanks IronMan, It's working, just not super reliable. Probably an electrical issue. Ive got an old locomotive and a short section of track with alligator clips attached.

 

Rakesh, good to see you got it going! I've had some similar growing pains.
A couple of my takeaways:

Old engine means dirty wheels and pickups. I put my old units away in foam padded boxes years ago. "It ran when I parked it...". After years in the attic, the nickel wheels have oxidization on them. A good cleaning helped. I also took the brass square axle contact bushings out and cleaned those up as well.

Old track = dirty. Clean it up and get it nice and shiny.

Your alligator clips may be an issue depending on how clean they are. If you can solder to the track, it would be ideal.

Power
I had a laptop power supply connected to my motor shield but it was super flaky. So, into the bin it went. I've since wired up a desktop PC power supply. Far better output and a much higher wattage. If you have an old PC laying around, a quick visit to Youtube will find you a how to on taking the 12v output and using it for other things. For mine, I have an LED indicator for power, an on/off toggle, a case fan, and banana pin output terminals. Works well and isn't permanently attached to the motor shield so it can be moved if needed.

 

Thanks John, I appreciate the insight. I knew I should've given everything a good clean and lube when I had it apart to put in the decoder, but I rushed it. I'll have to back and do it. It makes me a little nervous be so tiny and all.