a while back I purchased a DH123 decoder with the wiring made for Athearn BB locos. I hadn't used it for a while and I put it on the track today and it wouldn't run. I could program it. I had voltage to the red, orange and gray wires also. What could I do to make it run?
The first thing I would suggest is to read its' address and make sure that you are trying to run the correct address. Sometimes decoders lose their addresses and have to be reprogrammed. Bob
Eathan: Try this CV08 - Factory Reset CV CV08 is the factory reset CV for all FX3 decoders and also the Manufacturer ID CV for all decoders. When you read the value of CV08, Digitrax decoders report back "129". To reset all CV values to their factory default, program CV08 to a value of 008/x08 while the locomotive is on the programming track. To reset all CV values except for 28 step speed tables to their factory values set CV08 to a value of 009/x09. Note: Performing a factory reset will not affect the manufacturer ID and will reset the decoder's address to the factory default of 03, a 2 digit address. Resetting a mobile decoder If you're reading this, it is likely that you have reached a point of serious frustration. It's an easy place to get to and, fortunately, it's an easy place to leave. The mobile decoders have a series of configuration variables (CV's) which enhance the performance of a locomotive; enhancements such as better speed range, slower acceleration and deceleration, flashing headlights and such. But, it is possible to enhance your locomotive's performance to the point where it will not run at all. This is not as far-fetched as it sounds; you may have set the acceleration values so high that the engine won't move for minutes when issued a speed command. You can go back and fiddle with the values, trying to correct things, but even then, things may have become so complicated that repair may not be possible. There is nothing quite like being able to wipe the slate clean and start over. Most mobile decoders have a global reset function, which returns the Factory-default settings of the decoder. Program CV8 to a value of 08 and, in most cases, things will return to what they were originally. Remember that this process will also reset the CV's that worked the way that you wanted them, so keep track of your settings as you program the decoder so that you can easily reprogram the "good" CV's if you reset the decoder. All of the above information comes from the Digitrax website in their Tech support area. I would also suggest that you join the Yahoo group of your command station and those of any decoders that you might have. These are the best places to get information on DCC. Just be patient and look around and glean information for awile. I also want to inform you that there are a few old timers on those lists that can be a little rude so do not let any harsh comments bother you. Stay in there and keep learning. Good luck. Bob
Just to make sure, when you complete the above procedure your decoder should now respond to address 03. Bob
