New Spectrum 4-4-0 is dead

[Pops]

OK gang - mr. dummy here. I sure could use some help with my DEAD 4-4-0.

I have a brand new HO Spectrum 4-4-0 #80128 DCC/Sound.
It's a year and a half old, but this is the first time out of the box, and first time anything's been on the track.
I'm trying to use it on EZ Track. I've checked all track connections.
There are no switches, crossovers, turnouts, etc, just a continuous folded dogbone.

I'm hooked up to a brand new NCE Power Cab, about 8 - 12 months old.
It's the first out of the box for it also.

Normally to trouble shoot, I'd just replace one item at a time, but in this case I have no options since nothing has been working before, and I have no replacement options.
I've had no luck searching this web site and the NCE site for answers.

Here's what I've done.
Checked all track connections, and clear of anything laying across tracks.
Connected the two leads between the engine and tender. (tough for old eyesight and fat fingers).
Checked and double checked to make sure all wheels are on tracks, and placed on the powered (?) terminal rerailer in case the track was too long etc.
Clipped off the terminal end plug of the red power wire.
Put the two leads into the screw terminals of the plug for the Power Cab power panel.
Plugged the other end into the EZ Track Terminal Rerailer.
Plugged in the Power Cab (to the correct socket with the correct wire)
Plugged the NCE power panel into a working wall outlet. Red light on power panel is lit.
Power Cab lights up. No defaults have been changed. Set for Loco #3.

Turn the thumb wheel - nothing happens. No response from bell, whistle etc.

Does anyone have any idea where to look next?

I tried posting photos - can't even get that to work tonight.  Files are too big.
AAAHHHHHHHHHH - what a day - hide the knives.        

[RAM]

Did you use add 3?

[richg]

Put a quarter across the rails. Does the Power Cab shut down? That is called the quarter test in DCC. Usual quick check for connections/power.

I have the Power Cab and Spectrums with DCC sound.

If the cab shuts down, there is power to the track.

Do a decoder reset next. Right in the manual.

Get a Photo Bucket account for posting photos here.

Rich

[Pops]

Did you use add 3?

Sorry - I don't know what you mean. The Loco and Power Cab were supposed to be factory set to "3".  I checked on the Power Cab screen and it listed the Loco as "3"  (if that's what you mean).

[Pops]

OK - I got a photo bucket account.  If I did things right, there should now be some pictures here.

[Pops]

last photo

[richg]

The photos show the Cab is working. Did you short the rails with a quarter or piece of wire to see if the rails have power?

Do a decoder reset and see if the cab recognizes the decoder.
S.O.P. Right in the manual that came with your Cab.
If the rails have power, that is the next thing I do. S.O.P.

Rich

[Jerrys HO]

Pop's
Is this the only loco you have tested? Do the others respond correctly?

Jerry