News:

Please read the Forum Code of Conduct   >>Click Here <<

Main Menu

Programming GS4

Started by ToddW, January 20, 2025, 03:17:55 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

ToddW

I have a GS4 4-8-4 - SP Daylight #4449 RAILFAN (DCC SOUND VALUE) locomotive and a DCS52 Zephyr Express controller.  I was trying to change the locomotive default address (3) to something different.  Afterwards, the train had lights and sound, but wouldn't move, no matter which address I used. I tried setting it back to factory defaults using CV8=8.  The train runs but now I have no sound.  I have not been able to find much online about the default train and sound settings.  I have also read that the number of times the light flashes on the locomotive can indicate it's status, but I have not been able to find any documentation on that either.  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Todd

trainman203

Have you tried F8?

Check the value of CV 128 the master volume.  If it is zero, try sending it at 100.

 I cannot believe that these solutions above are not somewhere in an online manual for the locomotive or the controller, very peculiar

ToddW

Thank you for your response. I did find a chart with the default settings. I checked the volume as you suggested and it was set to 153.  I put it back on the main line and tested it again and got sound but no movement or lights. I re-entered the default address, after doing that I got movement and lights but no sound. This is so weird.  I'm sure it's something I'm doing wrong. Maybe I need to learn how to use JMRI instead of trying to do it from the controller.

Thanks,
Todd

trainman203

I've never used JMRI.  It appears to be a convenience to a lot of folks, but it's not something you need.

You need to eliminate your controller as the possible problem source by testing your engine on another layout, if that's possible.  Resetting the decoder to all default values by CV8=8 should get everything to basically function, but the default settings on all these engines usually leaves something to be desired performance-wise, that's another issue for discussion later.

Tenwheeler01

JMRI is a great tool..If it has the correct decoder definition file for you decoder.  And you have DCS52. So you have the Loconet to USB interface already. 

But lets do some basic trouble shooting.   

place the loco on the programing track and press Menu, option 1 and the A button the read the decoders basic settings.

This will tell what address the loco is responding to and what CV29 is set to. 

You can use this to make sure it is resetting the decoder when setting CV8=8.

If the address is 03 and you are still having issues.

Make sure you have free loco slots available.  (See page 17 8.3)

Try setting the address to a number you have never used. Make sure it takes by doing read. If this works see page 32 16.0 Decoder Speed Step Settings. (I have had this bit me a few times. Even replaced a decoder before I figure out I had managed to change this setting for that address only.)