Discussion:
DH123AT decoder
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Hal Greenlee
2004-06-13 00:21:12 UTC
Permalink
Can anyone tell me if this decoder also has DC capability?

The dealer said yes, but it doesn't seem to program for DC. The
data sheet does not mention DC.

Thanks

Hal
Jon Miller
2004-06-13 00:25:11 UTC
Permalink
The dealer said yes, but it doesn't seem to program for DC.<
Decoders don't program in DC only DCC. What your dealer means is that
the decoder will run in a DC mode if CV29 is programmed (using DCC) to allow
it. Usually decoders come with the default setting allowing it to run in
DC.
Hal Greenlee
2004-06-13 04:46:42 UTC
Permalink
Post by Jon Miller
Decoders don't program in DC only DCC. What your dealer means is that
the decoder will run in a DC mode if CV29 is programmed (using DCC) to allow
it. Usually decoders come with the default setting allowing it to run in
DC.
John, I was programming the decoder with a Power Pro, and had no trouble
except with this function. An NCE decoder worked correctly after
programming.

I suspect that the Digitraxx in question simply does not have DC capability.
There is no mention of DC or dual-mode as a feature on the data sheet.
Anybody know otherwise?

Hal
Digital Railroader LLC
2004-06-13 13:40:40 UTC
Permalink
Post by Hal Greenlee
I suspect that the Digitraxx in question simply does not have DC capability.
There is no mention of DC or dual-mode as a feature on the data sheet.
Anybody know otherwise?
This quote comes from the DigiTrax Decoder Manual:

3.8.2 Digitrax 9 Pin HO Decoder Interface

Most Digitrax HO scale wired decoders come with a plug and socket on the
decoder so that the wires can be unplugged from the decoder. This interface
lets you share one or more decoders among multiple locomotives wired with
Digitrax 9 pin harnesses. DHWH is the wire harness with a plug that attaches
to your DH series decoders and 9 wires that are soldered to the motor,
brushes and functions on your locomotive. DHDP is a DC dummy plug available
for DC operation of harnessed locomotives (without decoders). When you
install a DHWH wire harness in your locomotive and plug a DHDP dummy plug
into it, your loco will operate on any analog control system. When you
remove the DHDP and plug in a decoder, the loco will run on DCC. The
Digitrax 9 pin interface gives you a cost effective way for clubs and large
layouts to share the decoders they have and run with Digitrax even if all
locos can't be converted right away.

Also, CV13 is DC Functions On default 0. I take it a 1 would turn this on.
Note that the manual says that this is not available in FX3 decoders.

Again from the manual: The analog mode conversion feature is very convenient
if you plan to run your Digitrax decoded locomotive on regular DC layouts.
With analog mode conversion enabled, the decoder will automatically begin
operating as a DC locomotive when no DCC signal is detected by the decoder.
This means that if you place your Digitrax decoder equipped loco, with
analog mode conversion enabled, on a regular DC layout, it will run on the
DC layout.

This is covered under CV29 and all DigiTrax decoders default to 6, which has
Analog Mode Conversion set to ON.

Hope this helps!

Frank Eva
http://www.digitalrailroader.org
Captain Coast Line.com
2004-06-13 07:28:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by Hal Greenlee
Post by Jon Miller
Decoders don't program in DC only DCC. What your dealer means is that
the decoder will run in a DC mode if CV29 is programmed (using DCC) to allow
it. Usually decoders come with the default setting allowing it to run in
DC.
John, I was programming the decoder with a Power Pro, and had no trouble
except with this function. An NCE decoder worked correctly after
programming.
I suspect that the Digitraxx in question simply does not have DC capability.
There is no mention of DC or dual-mode as a feature on the data sheet.
Anybody know otherwise?
Hal
All digitrax decoders come from the factory with the ability to operate in either the
DCC or DC mode. It isn't necessary to do anything. There is no programming required
UNLESS you want to disable the dual mode feature.

Analog mode conversion is very convenient if you plan to run your Digitrax decoded
locomotive on regular DC layouts. With analog mode conversion enabled, the decoder
will automatically begin operating as a DC locomotive when no DCC signal is detected
by the decoder. This means that if you place your Digitrax decoder equipped loco,
with analog mode conversion enabled, on a regular DC layout, it will run on the DC
layout.
The factory default value for CV29 is 06.
Captain Handbrake
Captain Coast Line.com
2004-06-13 07:37:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Hal Greenlee
Post by Jon Miller
Decoders don't program in DC only DCC. What your dealer means is that
the decoder will run in a DC mode if CV29 is programmed (using DCC) to allow
it. Usually decoders come with the default setting allowing it to run in
DC.
John, I was programming the decoder with a Power Pro, and had no trouble
except with this function. An NCE decoder worked correctly after
programming.
I suspect that the Digitraxx in question simply does not have DC capability.
There is no mention of DC or dual-mode as a feature on the data sheet.
Anybody know otherwise?
Hal
The factory setting for dual mode oeration is 06 as I stated previously, however if
you want to operate with four digit addressing on the DCC layout and still retain
dual mode capibility, then CV 29 must be programmed to 38.
Captain Handbrake
Paul Newhouse
2004-06-14 14:16:00 UTC
Permalink
Post by Hal Greenlee
Post by Jon Miller
Decoders don't program in DC only DCC. What your dealer means is that
the decoder will run in a DC mode if CV29 is programmed (using DCC) to allow
it. Usually decoders come with the default setting allowing it to run in
DC.
John, I was programming the decoder with a Power Pro, and had no trouble
except with this function. An NCE decoder worked correctly after
programming.
I suspect that the Digitraxx in question simply does not have DC capability.
There is no mention of DC or dual-mode as a feature on the data sheet.
Anybody know otherwise?
I have a few Digitrax decoders (DZ143, DH123, DH163, ...) all of which
seem to operate just fine in DC mode.

Paul
--
Working the Rockie Road of the G&PX
Charles Kimbrough
2004-06-13 10:56:35 UTC
Permalink
I have had quite a few DH123s dead on DC. Return to Digitrax for repair.
Post by Hal Greenlee
Can anyone tell me if this decoder also has DC capability?
The dealer said yes, but it doesn't seem to program for DC. The
data sheet does not mention DC.
Thanks
Hal
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