Hi all,
Interesting problem popped up today with my Dynamis system.
Used it earlier today and all was as it should be. Then came back a few hours later, powered up the command center, turned on the controller and SURPRISE all the loco addresses were gone !
If I enter an address for a particular loco, that loco responds as it should with no loss of the CV' s as I had programmed them(except speed steps). But I can no longer scroll through to select the loco I want, their assigned names/ addresses are gone. Also, the speed steps for all locos have reverted to 28 instead of the 128 I had them set at.
I always hit Stop, then power off the hand set and lastly the command station.
Is this operator error or a quirk with the system? Is there a simple recovery process, or must I reprogram all my locos?
Any input will be Greatly Appreciated !!
Thanks !
Rick in NH
You'll probably have to re programme everything, it happened to me some time back with an approx 8month old unit,
It was eventually returned to Bachmann UK as it failed later completely, it was replaced, but now I only use the Dynamis very occasionaly, for programming purposes on the kitchen counter!!
I use an alternative manufacturers Radio controlled system for the 0n30 these days
Hi vttrainguy,
I'm not that familiar with the Dynamis, does it have a battery in the Command Station/Booster to keep alive the memory that stores the system control settings when the unit is switched off (or unplugged), like Digitax and Lenz both have (not sure about NCE)? If so, it might need replacing.
Bill in FtL
Hi Rick,
I'm pretty sure that, in the case of a standard Dynamis system (i.e. NOT with a ProBox), the roster is stored in the handset. In the case of a ProBox system, those instructions say the rosters are stored in the ProBox and need to be uploaded (or updated) to the multiple handsets.
That being assumed for the moment, if you have the basic Dynamis as I do, the handset should be storing the roster. In my own experience, I have not had the roster disappear. That said, I don't think I have ever programmed more than 7 or 8 locos into it. I cannot say that has anything to do with it, just a comment. I do give the locos unique names and they do stay. I also take out the batteries in the handset when I don't use it for long periods. (like a few months) The only other habit I have that may be remarkable is that I always unplug power to the receiver when I'm not using it.
So I'm only responding to this as a fellow Dynamis user with a different experience than what you are describing. I hope you are able to sort it out and best of luck! Let us know how you make out.
It is always a good idea to remove the batteries when not in use even for shorter periods ( a day or 2 perhaps) I was advised by a dealer over here that keeping the battery springs compressed for long periods was reducing the efficacy of the springs which inturn carry the power to the pcb,( I ie the contact was being compromised)
Thanks all for the feedback!
No probox just the basic system. At this point, it has happened three times. The last two while I was operating !!!! Running along, suddenly won't respond to command, kicks speed steps back to 28 and then goes to Stop. Restart and all memory is gone.....except if you enter a loco address it is still there, CV settings are what they had been set to, EXCEPT speed steps which have reverted to 28 !!!
Bill, there are no batteries in the command stations.
Steve, if the batteries can't stay in the hand set for more than a few hours, then the contacts must have been made from the same outstanding materials as the Shay, et al ,gear sets !!!!!!!! ??? ???
I guess I will pack it up and ship it to Philly ! So disappointing !
Rick
That's a shame, Rick. It does sound like a faulty unit based on your description of the issue. Wish I could offer some more troubleshooting tips for you but I'm all out of gumdrops. :(
Rick
Yes its a fact if the Batteries are left in situ for a long period then the springiness of the springs is reduced thus compromising the power circuit's continuity, I had the srpings replaced in one of my units by Bachmann over here in the UK and I know of a couple of others who had problems of a similar nature.
Thats why I only use it for the occasional programming these days!
Interestingly though in all the years I have been in 0n30 (since the range was first launched) and purchased many locomotives I have only had one gear problem! That was a Shay which when opened on delivery (new) was found to have loose gears in the box! it was presumed to have been damaged in transit....................and replaced without question
Hi Steve,
Regarding the gear issues, there does seem to be no rhyme or reason to it.
My experience : 2 Shays, both with cracked gears; 2 Climaxes, run great, no problems; 4 Railtrucks, ALL with cracked gears - 3 right out of the box; 3 Davenports, no problems, love them; 1 Railbus set, "square gears", obviously ready to fail, just no run time on it.
I love the detail, the availability of these models is a huge boost to On30 and when they do run it is great!
I look forward to Bachmann' s addressing of the gear issues come June 1, just hope I get all the parts needed to upgrade my "fleet" !
And to anyone hesitating on the Heisler, DON'T ! Great looking loco and runs very well.
Rick