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Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: HONZ on August 07, 2013, 09:23:04 AM

Title: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 07, 2013, 09:23:04 AM
I am having trouble changing the address of locomotives - I followed the instructions in the sketchy manual and in a You Tube video presented by Bachmann - no luck! here is what I am doing:

[MENU] --   scroll to PROGRAM   [ACCEPT] – DID THIS
             --  scroll to WRITE ADDR 0003      - DID THIS
                 ON MAINTRACK        [ACCEPT] -  DID THIS (also tried this on service track setting)

Screen shows
                CHANGE ADDR LOC - OK
                 WRITE ADDR 3
[BKSP] to delete existing address
Use alphanumeric keys or joystick to enter new address up to 127 - DID THIS, tried 1, 11, 111 and 1111

CHANGE ADDR 0003 – DOES NOT SHOW
WRITE ADDR 68        – DOES NOT SHOW

There is no program, scroll or accept chooice - just X

The engin just sust sits dead on the track when I stry to run it, but the sound is on - but cannot blow the horn, turn on the lights, etc. I have to select the default address (3) to operate the engine.

Please someone HELP

Just an update - I believe that I was able to program the engine, somewhat - the engine slightly jerked when I removed the emergency stop and hit the track icon, program. When I turned off the Dynamis equipment and turned it back on, the train didn't move nor could the sounds be activated when a different  loco address was selected – the engine only made the idling sound – very good, the way it should work.
When I did operate the train under the programed address, it worked fine– very good, the way it should work. HOWEVER, the engine was then fully operable under any loco address I selected.
What is going on here?

Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: bapguy on August 07, 2013, 10:36:05 AM
What brand decoder?  Joe
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 07, 2013, 11:15:55 AM
Hi thanks for replying

Bachmann Dynamis

MN2400 - i think - wher do you find the #

doug
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 08, 2013, 07:11:32 PM
Honz
Joe was referring to the decoder in the loco. It has been noted some decoders other than Bachmann require certain steps to accomplish programming the decoders.
It would help to know if these are Bachmann decoders or another manufacturer ( please include the manufacturer's type). Some require putting a 1000 ohm resistor across the programming track to program the decoder.

Jerry
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Bucksco on August 09, 2013, 08:48:15 AM
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,19982.0.html
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 09, 2013, 10:01:57 AM
Hi Jerry, it's an athearn - type?
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: bapguy on August 09, 2013, 10:25:07 AM
What model of lcoc? Diesel or steam? If it's a newer diesel, it's a Tsunami. Try this: change the address to a new 2 digit address such as 10. Turn off the power to the track, wait 20 seconds or so and turn the power back on. Try the new address to see if it works. If it does, program in the address you want and do the power off and on again.  Joe 
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 09, 2013, 03:25:39 PM
thanks to all that replied

my loco is a new diesel Atheran Genesis with Tsunami - i think that I have it working now, I think 

doug
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 09, 2013, 08:31:10 PM
Doug

Don't leave us hanging. What was your fix, it may come in handy for others.

Jerry
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: rogertra on August 10, 2013, 02:03:15 AM
I don't use Dynamis, I use NCE so I'm wondering why you'd use a two digit address?

Having asked that and as the hidden consist numbers using NCE are all three digits and so as to avoid conflict between three digit engine numbers and the hidden three digit consist address, all my engines have four digit number.  e.g.  engine No. 0025 or engine No. 0355.  Much easier then have to remember engine No. 355's address is 11 or something unrelated to the actual engine.

BTW, I let the three digit consist number be automatically assigned by my NCE Power Cab Pro.  If I want to run a previously set up consist of engines say CNR  Nos 9410 + 9422, all I do is select engine 9410 if I want that to be the lead unit or 9422 if I want that to be the lead unit.  No trying to remember or even keep track of consist numbers as it's all hidden from view.  Bell, horns headlights and prime mover will only function on whatever unit I chose to be the lead unit and just the prime mover will function on the trailing unit(s) of the consist.

Does Dynamis permit this?

Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 10, 2013, 09:40:29 AM
Joe, I gave up trying to program on the main line and used the programming track method and made sure there was power to the track at all times. After the new address was set (had to use two numbers, wouldn't accept one), the program key appeared - I pressed it and the loco did a coupled of surges. I then shut off all power - both the Dynamis hand set and base unit for about a minute. I turned everything back on and the trains were fully controllable only when their address was selected.

One would think that Bachmann could have done a better job explaining the process - I cannot wait to stat programming the CV's  ;D

Doug
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 10, 2013, 09:45:27 AM
Roger, I do not know - I have just started working with DCC - the Dynamis is my first. But from what I have seen in some of the You Tube clips, I think so.

Doug
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Hunt on August 10, 2013, 02:47:57 PM
HONZ (Doug),


General information:
SoundTraxx unusually suggests:  If you have trouble programming (not related to operator error or the following restrictions) when using Service Mode (programming track), you need a PTB-100 programming track booster  (http://www.soundtraxx.com/access/ptb100.php)   or use Mainline Programming (Ops Mode).


Address interchangeable terms
  Short address is also known as primary address or 2-digit address
  Long address is also known as extended address or 4-digit address


Address restrictions that are covered in available documentation:
Dynamis Programming - the decoder address can be set in either of two ways
   Service Track - all addresses 0001 to 9999
   Main Track - short addresses 1 to 127 only
Dynamis User Guide, page 10
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez_content/dynamis_manual.pdf

The following SoundTraxx decoder address programming restriction is covered in
http://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/OEM_pages/bachmann/bachmann_with_dcc.pdf
http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/Tsunami%20Diesel%20Technical%20Reference_1.13.pdf
http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/tsutechreference.pdf

When using Mainline Programming (Ops Mode) a SoundTraxx decoder will not allow you to change the type of address currently in use. In other words, it will not permit a change from a short address to another short address or from a long address to another long address. The workaround for this restriction is covered in the documentation. This restriction does not apply when using Service mode.




If you do not use the DCC system to program a long address you must learn how to compute the correct value to program to CV 17, CV 18 and determine the value to be programmed to CV29 or use one of the online calculators such as http://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm   

Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Hunt on August 10, 2013, 03:05:09 PM
NCE and Bachmann Dynamis DCC systems handle programming and consisting differently.
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Jerrys HO on August 10, 2013, 03:32:16 PM
Great to hear from you Hunt.
As usual great information provided.
Quote from: Hunt on August 10, 2013, 02:47:57 PM
HONZ (Doug),


General information:
SoundTraxx unusually suggests:  If you have trouble programming (not related to operator error or the following restrictions) when using Service Mode (programming track), you need a PTB-100 programming track booster  (http://www.soundtraxx.com/access/ptb100.php)   or use Mainline Programming (Ops Mode).


Address interchangeable terms
 Short address is also known as primary address or 2-digit address
 Long address is also known as extended address or 4-digit address


Address restrictions that are covered in available documentation:
Dynamis Programming - the decoder address can be set in either of two ways
  Service Track - all addresses 0001 to 9999
  Main Track - short addresses 1 to 127 only
Dynamis User Guide, page 10
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez_content/dynamis_manual.pdf

The following SoundTraxx decoder address programming restriction is covered in
http://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/OEM_pages/bachmann/bachmann_with_dcc.pdf
http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/Tsunami%20Diesel%20Technical%20Reference_1.13.pdf
http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/tsutechreference.pdf

When using Mainline Programming (Ops Mode) a SoundTraxx decoder will not allow you to change the type of address currently in use. In other words, it will not permit a change from a short address to another short address or from a long address to another long address. The workaround for this restriction is covered in the documentation. This restriction does not apply when using Service mode.




If you do not use the DCC system to program a long address you must learn how to compute the correct value to program to CV 17, CV 18 and determine the value to be programmed to CV29 or use one of the online calculators such as http://www.2mm.org.uk/articles/cv29%20calculator.htm  



Saved for future reference just in case you have it set to self destruct. ;D

Which do you find easier to program the Dynamis or the NCE

Jerry
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: HONZ on August 10, 2013, 04:06:01 PM
Thanks Jerry, Hunt and everyone else - your help is much appreciated

Doug
Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: hawaiiho on August 10, 2013, 07:46:36 PM
Jerry,

There is a very active NCE group in Yahoo Groups. I think you will be able to find lots of

information in that group on the pros and cons of various systems.

http://login.yahoo.com/config/login?.intl=us&.src=ygrp&.done=http://groups.yahoo.com%2Fmygroups

Will

Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: rogertra on August 10, 2013, 07:55:40 PM
I also think we need to keep in mind that Dynamis is, at least from what I gather from a friend who has such a system, an introductory DCC system and therefore it's unfair to compare it with more advanced DCC systems.

Or am I wrong?

Title: Re: Changing the locomotive address, Dynamis E-Z Command
Post by: Hunt on August 10, 2013, 10:01:07 PM
rogertra

There are "introductory" DCC systems currently available from several manufacturers and Bachmann makes one of them; however, their Dynamis system is not it.

Introductory DCC system does not have the same meaning between manufacturers.